LEADER OF THE HOUSE

FIFA World Cup

Greg Hands: To ask the Leader of the House which matches  (a) he and  (b) the Deputy Leader of the House attended at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany in their ministerial capacity; at what cost to public funds; and with what contribution from third party organisations.

Nigel Griffiths: None.

HEALTH

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women are known to have died within one month of operations for termination of pregnancy notified under the Abortion Regulations in each year since 1997; and what cause of death was recorded on the death certificate in each case.

Caroline Flint: The confidential inquiry into maternal and child health reports information on deaths following termination of pregnancy up to one year after the event. In the period 1997 to 2002 there were only seven such deaths known to the inquiry. Further information is contained within the two triennial reports on confidential inquiries into maternal deaths in the United Kingdom for the periods 1997-99 and 2000-02, which are available at www.cemach.org.uk.

Arun Community Hospital

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to be in a position to decide on the future of the Arun community hospital in Littlehampton.

Caroline Flint: Responsibility for decisions on the future of Arun community hospital rests with the local national health service.

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in her Department's press office.

Ivan Lewis: The number of staff employed in the Department's press office is 48. The number who have disclosed their ethnicity status cannot be given under grounds of confidentiality.

Breast Milk Substitutes

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the adequacy of regulations to protect against the promotion of products inferior to breast milk.

Caroline Flint: The Department is working with the Food Standards Agency to continue to press for changes to the recast European Union directive on infant formula and follow-on formula advertising.
	The Department also intends to review, later this year, the United Kingdom regulations on infant formula and follow-on formula advertising, a commitment set out in the "Choosing Health—Making healthy choices easier" White Paper.

Childhood Immunisation Services

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP practices have opted out of providing childhood immunisation services following the introduction of the new GP contract in 2003; and where each is located.

Caroline Flint: In 2004, 6.3 per cent. of general medical services (GMS) partnerships had opted out of providing childhood immunisation services. In 2005, the proportion of GMS partnerships opting out was reported to be 36.7 per cent.
	Comparison between 2004 and 2005 childhood immunisation services opt-out data should be undertaken with caution. Data as at 30 September 2004 was the first year in which opt-out data was collected on a partnership basis following the change in the general practitioner (GP) contract in April 2004. The figures published as at 30 September 2005 (a revision of earlier collected data) shows a great increase in the number of partnerships opting-out of childhood immunisation services, with no corresponding explanation of the increase.
	The 2004 and 2005 data is published in full by The Information Centre for health and social care and can be found at www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/10/73/41/04107341.xls. A copy has been placed in the Library.
	However, as part of its statutory duties, each primary care trust, under section 16CC of the National Health Services Act 1977(a), must provide a childhood immunisation scheme. If a GP opts out, then one per cent. is removed from the GPs global sum payment. This allows the primary care trust to re-provide the service with another contractor or to self-provide.

Connecting for Health

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her latest estimate is of the total implementation costs of Connecting for Health, including the cost of local implementation.

Caroline Flint: The value of contracts let for the core components of the national programme for information technology, which is being delivered by the department's NHS Connecting for Health Agency, amounts to £6.2 billion over 10 years and this has not increased. Information about local national health service expenditure on implementing the programme, separate from the totality of NHS spending on information technology, is not collected centrally.
	However, the National Audit Office (NAO) have calculated that the full gross cost of the programme including national contracts and legitimately approved additions, other central expenditure, and local implementation costs is approximately £12.4 billion at 2004-05 prices. But this figure does not take into account anticipated savings in the price paid by the NHS for information technology goods and services due to the central buying power of NHS Connecting for Health, or in NHS staff time saved through using the programme's systems and services. The NAO report acknowledges an independent evaluation that confirms that £4.5 billion has been saved by central rather than local procurement and also acknowledges a further £860 million of savings achieved through centrally negotiated enterprise wide arrangements.

Consultants

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultants per capita there were in  (a) Gloucestershire and  (b) England in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 15 June 2006
	The number of consultants per 100,000 weighted population and per 100,000 unweighted population in England and Gloucestershire in each year since 1997 is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS):  Medical and dental consultants within England and Gloucestershire( 1)  and numbers per 100,000 population( 2,3,4)( ) As at 30 September each year 
			  Numbers (headcount) and numbers (headcount) per population 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			  Consultants  
			 England 21,474 22,324 23,321 24,401 25,782 27,070 28,750 30,650 31,993 
			 Gloucestershire(1) 188 191 192 210 234 242 257 277 297 
			   
			  Consultants per 100,000 weighted population( 2)  
			 England(3) 43.6 45.2 47.0 49.1 51.4 53.8 58.5 62.3 65.1 
			 Gloucestershire(4) 35.7 36.9 37.1 40.5 45.1 46.4 50.6 54.5 58.5 
			   
			  Consultants per 100,000 population   
			 England(3) 43.6 45.2 47.0 49.1 51.4 53.8 57.7 61.2 63.7 
			 Gloucestershire 33.6 34.1 34.1 37.2 41.4 42.7 45.3 48.6 51.8 
			 (1 )In obtaining the consultant numbers, Gloucestershire is defined as the Gloucestershire HA area for 1997 to 2001 and the following organisations for 2002 to 2005: South Gloucestershire PCT, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT, West Gloucestershire PCT, Cotswold and Vale PCT, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust. (2 )The population data used in these calculations is weighted for HCHS age and need. (3 )The England weighted population is normalised or scaled back to, and therefore equals, the England unweighted population. The exceptions; the years 2003-04 to 2005-06 where we updated PCT unweighted populations using the 2004 ADS constrained to 2003 based ONS population. It is not possible to update the weighted populations and they are still based on the 2002 ADS constrained to 2001 ONS estimates. (4 )In obtaining the population data, Gloucestershire is defined as the Gloucestershire HA area for 1997-98 to 2002-03 and Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, Cotswold Vale and West Gloucestershire PCT areas from 2003-04   Source: The Information Centre for health and social care Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

Departmental Documents

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which  (a) individuals and  (b) organisations received an embargoed copy of each (i) consultation document and (ii) White Paper produced by her Department in 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The information sought by the hon. Member with respect to all consultation documents could only be supplied at disproportionate cost.
	Embargoed copies of the "Our health, our care, our say" White Paper were provided on the day of publication to Parliament under the usual conventions, to journalists and to seven members of the citizen's panel who advised on the development of the White Paper.

Digital Hearing Aids

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding has been made available for the introduction of digital hearing aids; and if she will make a statement on the progress of their introduction.

Ivan Lewis: The modernising hearing aids service programme (MHAS) was managed by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), on behalf of the Department from 2000 to 2005. Through this programme, the Government have invested £125 million to ensure that by 2005 all national health service hearing aid services could routinely fit modern digital hearing aids.
	There have been other significant improvements:
	working with the RNID we have ensured that high quality digital hearing aids are now available throughout the NHS with an estimated 750,000 people fitted with digital hearing aids by the NHS;
	the current public private partnership is also proving very successful; by February 2006 approximately 68,600 patients had been fitted with a hearing aid; and
	RNID and NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency working together have negotiated a reduction in the cost to the NHS of digital hearing aids.

Direct Payments

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will set a timetable for the extension of direct payments made in lieu of social services provision to people who are currently ineligible.

Ivan Lewis: The Government are exploring ways to extend direct payments to those currently excluded, by using an agent for those without capacity to consent, or unable to manage even with assistance. There will need to be legislative changes to enable this to happen and we will make these as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Drug Rehabilitation

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average expenditure per patient was for drug rehabilitation in  (a) England,  (b) the West Midlands and  (c) Stoke-on-Trent in the last period for which figures are available; and what plans there are to provide additional funding.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Drug Rehabilitation

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has been made of the cost-effectiveness of drug rehabilitation funding.

Caroline Flint: There has been no recent assessment of the cost-effectiveness of drug rehabilitation funding.

GP Referrals

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has commissioned on the clinical effectiveness of adopting a maximum 18-week waiting time target for all GP referrals.

Andy Burnham: Research specifically into the clinical effectiveness of introducing a maximum 18-week waiting time was not commissioned. However, there was extensive clinical input to the plans for delivering the 18-weeks commitment, which was published in "Tackling hospital waiting: the 18-week patient pathway" on 10 May 2006. The vision is to provide patients with fast and convenient access to hospital care, enhancing clinical outcomes wherever appropriate. As now, those with conditions requiring urgent attention will be treated much faster than the average and most waiting times from referral to treatment will be much shorter than 18 weeks.

Herceptin

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether Herceptin will be available on the NHS in Gloucestershire in 2006.

Caroline Flint: There is no restriction on the national health service to prescribe drugs, within their licensed indications, while the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is developing guidance.
	On 9 June, NICE published its draft guidance on Herceptin. These recommendations are subject to an appeal period which closed on 28 June 2006. The final guidance is expected to be issued at the beginning of July 2006, assuming there are no appeals.
	Once finalised, the recommendations will mean that all eligible patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer should receive Herceptin on the NHS within three months of NICE issuing final guidance. Although the recommendations are subject to appeal, there are no national restrictions on the NHS using Herceptin.

Health Care (Shropshire)

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the  (a) Down's syndrome birth rate and  (b) birth defect rate was for each electoral ward in Shropshire, in each year from 2000 to 2005.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 6 July 2006:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the (a) Down's Syndrome birth rate and (b) birth defect rate was for each electoral ward in Shropshire in each year from 2000 to 2005. (82401)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for maintaining the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS) notifications in England and Wales. These notifications are collected only for live and stillbirths (e.g. terminations are excluded) and are provided by NHS Trusts on a voluntary basis either directly to ONS on form SD56 or via local congenital anomaly registers that exchange data with ONS. Information on congenital anomalies is routinely published for strategic health authorities. Figures cannot be provided by electoral ward because of the risk of disclosing individual's information due to very small number of events.
	Notifications of congenital anomalies, numbers and rates, in Shropshire County from 2000 to 2004 (the most recent year for which figures are available) are given in the table below.
	
		
			  Congenital anomaly notifications - Down Syndrome, All babies: number and rates for Shropshire county, 2000-04 
			   2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2000-04 
			 Babies notified with Down syndrome * * * * * 5 
			 Rates per 10,000 live and stillbirths * * * * * 0.4 
			 Babies notified with a congenital anomaly 13 16 14 16 13 72 
			 Rates per 10,000 live and stillbirths 4.7 6.1 5.1 5.6 4.7 5.2 
			 * Numbers smaller than 5 and rates based on these numbers have been suppressed to protect confidentiality of individuals.

Information Technology

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on information technology by  (a) NHS trusts and  (b) primary care trusts in (i) 2002-03, (ii) 2003-04, (iii) 2004-05 and (iv) 2005-06.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  £ millions 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 NHS trusts 653 741 768 
			 Primary care trusts 257 350 428 
			 Total 910 1,091 1,196 
		
	
	These figures, rounded to the nearest whole million pounds, comprise revenue expenditure reported through a national survey of information technology investment by national health service organisations; and capital expenditure, including information technology additions and software licences, identified in NHS accounts. They do not include expenditure by strategic health authorities, special health authorities, or central expenditure funded by the Department.
	For each year in the table, revenue expenditure is understated because a small percentage of NHS organisations, averaging four per cent. per year, failed to complete returns.
	Information for 2005-06 is not yet available.

Malnutrition

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of people  (a) admitted to and  (b) discharged from hospital were malnourished in the last year in which figures are available, broken down by age; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Information on the numbers admitted and discharged is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Count of finished in-year admission episodes and in-year discharges where the patient's main diagnosis was malnutrition, national health service hospitals in England, 2004-05 
			  Age  Malnutrition admissions  All admissions  Malnutrition admissions per 100,000  Malnutrition discharges  All discharges  Malnutrition discharges per 100,000 
			 0 to 4 11 1,143,564 1.0 12 1,153,098 1.0 
			 5 to 14 1 498,026 0.2 1 500,749 0.2 
			 15 to 44 54 3,829,687 1.4 51 3,876,699 1.3 
			 45 to 64 83 2,624,028 3.2 82 2,664,605 3.1 
			 65 to 74 36 1,649,737 2.2 39 1,680,332 2.3 
			 75 to 84 36 1,581,687 2.3 40 1,621,794 2.5 
			 85 and over 31 635,257 4.9 35 656,778 5.3 
			 Not known — 26,458 — — 26,619 — 
			 Total 252 11,988,444 2.1 260 12,180,674 2.1

Mental Health

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will seek to amend the rules governing confidentiality of personal information for those with severe mental health problems to ensure that specified family members may be given full disclosure of medication and treatment.

Caroline Flint: The rules governing confidentiality of personal information distinguish between individuals who lack the capacity to meaningfully consent to, or dissent from, information being shared, and those who have this capacity. Where capacity is judged to be absent, a health professional is expected to share information with those who need to know, including family members where appropriate, where this is in the patient's best interest or where the public interest in sharing outweighs the obligation of confidentiality.
	Where an individual has the capacity to consent but refuses to do so, a health professional may still disclose information where the public interest served by doing so outweighs the obligation of confidentiality. This may include, where the risk is sufficient to warrant it, the protection of the individual's health or to safeguard others.
	Where a patient is being cared for under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983, their nearest relative has certain statutory rights in relation to their detention and guardianship.
	The Department will be revising its confidentiality guidelines during the course of this year and the importance of keeping family members informed will be given appropriate emphasis.

NHS Care Records Service

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons she has delayed the introduction of the NHS Care Records Service (CRS); where she expects the pilot sites to test the NHS CRS will be established; and what information will be uploaded onto the national system  (a) under the NHS CRS pilots and  (b) when the NHS CRS is fully enabled.

Caroline Flint: The NHS Care Records Service (NHS CRS) is the key component of the new systems and services being delivered through the national programme for information technology. It has a number of applications, including:
	personal demographics service (PDS), which holds nationally demographic information for every patient covered by the national health service in England, accessible through local systems, and is currently processing message transactions at a rate of over 9 million per month;
	spine directory services, which holds reference data such as users and locations. Over 260,000 users are now registered, around 50,000 currently access the system on any given day;
	access control framework, which registers and authenticates users, including patients, and provides a single log-in and a record of each professional accessing a NHS care record; and
	transaction messaging system, which processes and routes data messages, for example from a GP to a hospital or from one general practitioner to another.
	Introduction of the NHS CRS has not been delayed. These four elements went live on time and to budget in July 2004 to support choose and book. Among other planned applications, the first stage of the secondary uses service went live in June 2005 to support payment by results. Other core modules are scheduled for release over the course of 2006 and 2007. However, ambitious initial targets were set to drive the programme, and some individual components have been delayed.
	In general implementation is being achieved in carefully managed stages, via incremental rollout both geographically, and by increasing functionality over time to build the care record. The programme is about patient and clinician benefit and improved safety. We believe it is best to get things right in the long term rather than to push on regardless against a rigid timetable and risk getting things wrong in the short term. In the context of a 10-year programme the impact of this is limited.
	When fully deployed, the NHS CRS will be made up of records of individual clinicians recording episodes of care, key aspects of which will be placed in the detailed care record for sharing with others as their roles allow within local health communities, and a summary care record. The national programme's national clinical leads, working with NHS Connecting for Health, have undertaken work with a wide range of groups including the British Medical Association and the royal colleges to consider the best way of populating and launching the summary care record.
	As a result, a limited amount of clinical information will be automatically uploaded, such as prescriptions and allergies. More detailed information would then be added on a case by case basis. This approach is supported by the BMA on the basis that as it takes full account of the views of patients.

NHS Direct

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ask the chief executive of NHS Direct to explain to the hon. Member for Chorley the reasons for the delay in replying to his letter dated 16 May.

Rosie Winterton: I have asked the chief executive of NHS Direct to write to the hon. Member for Chorley to explain the reasons for the delay in replying to his letter dated 16 May 2006 and understand a reply has been sent. I know that the chief executive of NHS Direct has also offered to meet the hon. Member and he may wish to consider whether he accepts that offer.

NHS Direct

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many calls to NHS Direct were  (a) received,  (b) handled and  (c) abandoned in each year since 1999-2000; and how many and what percentage of calls that were handled were redirected to other services.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 30 March 2006
	The available information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  NHS Direct data: calls offered, calls answered, calls abandoned and the percentage of calls redirected by NHS Direct to other parts of the national health service, including 999, accident and emergency, general practitioners, walk-in centres, dental and other professionals. 
			   Calls offered  Calls answered  Calls abandoned after 30 seconds  Percentage of calls abandoned after 30 seconds  Proportion of calls redirected as a percentage of calls answered 
			 January 2003 to March 2003 2,075,764 1,633,282 158,564 9 49 
			 April 2003 to March 2004 8,176,571 6,404,478 759,858 11 49 
			 April 2004 to March 2005 8,807,994 6,585,578 1,100,151 14 52 
			 April 2005 to March 2006 7,919,118 6,811,751 743,733 10 52 
			  Notes: 1. Clinical sorting data was not collected at a national level prior to January 2003. 2. Data are shown for the periods January 2003 to March 2003 and for financial years April 2003 to March 2006. 3. Data includes combined calls = 0845, out-of-hours and other. 4. Definitions of data: Calls offered—number of calls offered/made, including wrong numbers and people hanging up within 30 seconds.  Calls answered—number of calls answered/handled after the introductory message. Calls abandoned—number of calls abandoned after the introductory message.  Source: NHS Direct

NHS Information Technology

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to achieve adoption and acceptance of the NHS IT programme by trust executives since 2002; and what estimate she has made of future levels of adoption.

Caroline Flint: Following publication of the strategy 'Delivering 21(st) Century IT support for the NHS', the NHS chief executive wrote to the chief executives of all national health service bodies in September 2003 explaining their responsibilities for implementing the national programme for information technology (NPfTT) and for using programme contracts.
	Local programmes, led by trust executives and supported from the Department, have always been at the heart of implementation, taking responsibility for planning the pace and sequence of deployments. In addition, the Department has routinely used its planning and performance management regime to support local implementation of the national programme. For example, during 2004 annual planning round, the NHS were provided with targets relating to the planning and implementation of the programme. Similarly, in June 2005, the Department wrote to all strategic health authority (SHA) chief executives requiring the establishment of integrated service improvement programmes as a vehicle for bringing together benefits and improvements from current NHS initiatives and programmes, including NPfIT. In November 2005 the Department's delivery director reiterated the importance of giving close attention to issues relating to delivery of the programme, and that implementation and use of NPfIT systems and services should be one of the key priorities of all NHS organisations.
	The new SHA and primary care trust chief executives will in future be the senior responsible owners for implementation of the national programme in their areas.
	We remain on track to complete the national programme, as planned, by 2010.

NHS IT Support

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the contracting timetable in paragraph 4.4.1 of Delivering 21st century IT support for the NHS, how many of those procurements have been made; when they were made; from whom; and what the value is of the contract in each case.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is shown in the tables. Contract values are for the whole life of the contract.
	
		
			  Procurement  When  Contractor  Value (£ million) 
			 E-mail and directory services(1) September 2002 EDS 120 
			 
			 Privacy-enhancing technologies (2)— (2)— (2)— 
			 
			 Networking services February 2004 BT 530 
			 
			 National electronic Library for Health (NeLH) April-August 2003 See separate table 4.6 
			 
			 NHS Wide Clearing Service December 2003 BT (3)— 
			 
			 Ambulance radio procurement July 2005 Airwave 02 Ltd. 390 
			 (1) Contract subsequently terminated in March 2004 and re-let to Cable and Wireless in July 2004 at a contract value of between £50 million and £90 million depending on take-up. (2 )No separate procurement. Functionality specified in all core National Programme for Information Technology system contracts. (3) Procured as the Secondary Uses Service as part of the Spine contract. 
		
	
	
		
			  NeLH components 
			  Section/lot  Contractor 
			  Health Information Environment  
			 Web hosting Eduserv 
			 Access management Eduserv 
			 Specialist consultancy Not awarded 
			 Search metadata TRIP Ltd. 
			   
			  Content  
			 Current news analysis service University of York 
			 Clinical guidelines database University of Sheffield 
			   
			  Specialist libraries  
			 Cancer Oxford Radcliffe 
			 Child health Sheffield Childrens Hospital 
			 Communicable diseases City University 
			 Emergency care University of Warwick 
			 Ear, nose and throat Oxford Radcliffe 
			 Eyes and vision Moorfields Eye Hospital 
			 Genetics Genepool 
			 Health management Kings Fund 
			 Old age Oxford Radcliffe 
			 Learning disabilities Oxford Radcliffe 
			 Patients and public involvement College of Health 
			 Mental health Oxford Radcliffe 
			 Nutrition University of Warwick 
			 Oral health University College Hospital Wales 
			 Respiratory medicine Sheffield University 
			 Skin conditions Nottingham 
			 Women's health Oxford Radcliffe

NHS Staff

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average earnings were of a  (a) doctor,  (b) dentist and  (c) nurse in (i) 1979, (ii) 1997 and (iii) the most recent period for which figures are available, in (A) nominal and (B) real terms.

Rosie Winterton: The available information is shown in the following tables. Table one shows the average earnings of doctors in the hospital and community health services and of qualified nurses and midwives in 1998 and 2004 based on the national health service staff earnings survey. This data is not available prior to 1998. Table two shows the intended average net income for general medical practitioners in 1979-80 and 1997-98 and their estimated average net income in 2004-05. Table three shows average general dental service (CDS) income for dentists with a reasonable CDS commitment in 1997-98 and 2004-05. Figures are not available on a comparable basis for previous years.
	
		
			  Table 1:Average estimated total earnings for all doctors in the hospital and community health services and qualified nurses and midwives, England 
			   Estimated annualised average total earnings (£) 
			   1998  2004 
			   Nominal  Real terms  Nominal  Real terms 
			 All hospital and community health services doctors 44,700 53,500 67,700 70,800 
			 Qualified nurses and midwives 19,600 23,500 26,400 27,600 
			  Notes: 1. The NHS earnings survey is based on a sample of payroll data from approximately 50 per cent. of NHS trusts.  2. Earnings figures are based on monthly payments in August, multiplied by 12 to give annual equivalent amounts. 3. Averages are calculated by dividing total payments by total full time equivalents. 4. Figures are rounded to the nearest £100. 5. Real term figures are calculated using the HM Treasury GDP Deflator Index using 2006-07 as the base year.  Source: Information Centre for health and social care NHS staff earnings survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2:Intended average net income (IANI)( 1)  for general practitioners (GPs), 1979-80 and 1997-98, and estimated average net income (ANI), 2004-05, Great Britain 
			   IANI (Nominal) (£)  IANI (in 2004-05 prices) (£) 
			 1979-80 14,284 45,353 
			 1997-98 46,031 54,094 
		
	
	
		
			   Estimated ANI £  Estimated ANI in 2004-05 prices £ 
			 2004-05(2) 87,076 87,076 
			 (1) The concept of IANI (which related to all principal general medical service (GMS) GP's, full-time and part-time) disappeared for 2004-05 onwards, when new contractual arrangements came into place. (2) The 2004-05 average net income figure for GMS/primary medical service GPs was estimated by the joint DH/BMA/NHS Employers Technical Steering Committee (TSC). It is not directly comparable with the earlier IANI series.  Source: The Information Centre for heath and social care. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Estimated average general dental service (CDS) net income for dentists with a reasonable CDS commitment( 1) , 1997-98 to 2004-05, England and Wales 
			   Estimated average net income (Nominal) (£)  Estimated average net income (in 2004-05 prices) (£) 
			 1997-98 51,200 60,168 
			 2004-05 70,000 70,000 
			 (1) Dentists with a reasonable commitment to the GDS are defined as dentists with GDS earnings equivalent to at least £40,000 in 1993-94 in fees for treatments and patient capitation. This equivalent is calculated each year by adjusting figures to take into account the effect of fee increases. The equivalent figure for 2004-05 is £59,100.  Notes: 1. Commitment payments started in 2001. 2. Figures since 2000-01 use a different methodology to calculate the contribution from other non-fee/capitation payments. 3. Figures prior to 1997-98 are not available on a comparable basis. 4. The income figures cover both estimated fees for treatments and patient capitation as well as other estimated payments such as seniority payments and commitment payments and payments for maternity and sickness. They exclude dentists' income from private sources.  Source: The Information Centre for health and social care

NHS Staff

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS posts have been vacant for more than three months since January, broken down by strategic health authority.

Rosie Winterton: The latest information available on the three month vacancy rate and number for non-medical and medical staff by strategic health authority has been placed in the Library.

Nursing Staff

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) community matrons,  (b) health visitors and  (c) school nurses have been appointed in each primary care trust area in each of the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The number of community matrons, health visitors and school nurses in post in primary care trusts (PCTs) at September 2005 is shown in the table.
	
		
			   Headcount 
			   Health visitors (England) 
			 1997 10,025 
			 1998 12,572 
			 1999 12,800 
			 2000 12,827 
			 2001 13,053 
			 2002 12,774 
			 2003 12,984 
			 2004 13,303 
			 2005 12,818 
		
	
	The number of health visitors has increased by 2,793 (28 per cent.) since 1997.
	School nurses were collected for the first time in the 2003 census. However, the data was incomplete as only 27 per cent. of PCTs coded staff using the new school nursing codes.
	The table shows the increase in school nurses since 2004.
	
		
			  England  Headcount  Full time equivalent 
			   Total qualified school nursing nurses  of which qualified school nurses  of which full-time  Total qualified school nursing nurses  of which qualified school nurses 
			 2005 2,887 943 182 1,913 665 
			 2004 2,409 856 151 1,619 607 
		
	
	There were 943 (665 full-time equivalent) nurses who held a school nursing qualification in 2005 an increase of 87 (10 per cent.) since 2004.

Obesity

Desmond Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to reduce childhood obesity; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Reducing obesity is one of the six overarching priorities of the "Choosing Health" White Paper, published in November 2004. In July 2004, the Government set a public service agreement (PSA) target to halt the year-on-year increase in obesity among children under 11 by 2010 in the context of a broader strategy to tackle obesity in the population as a whole.
	Specific actions to reduce childhood obesity include:
	requirements to meet healthy eating and physical activity criteria to achieve Healthy School status;
	new school food-based standards from September 2006, followed by more stringent nutrient-based standards in primary schools by September 2008, and secondary schools by September 2009;
	ensuring the school sports strategy and sports partnerships are making the maximum impact on child obesity;
	looking at ways of restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children;
	working with the food industry to reduce levels of fat, salt and sugar in products, and to provide front-of-pack labelling to enable consumers to make informed choices;
	development of a healthy living social marketing campaign; and
	providing an activity toolkit for schools to support physical activity across the school day, including the journey to school and after school clubs.
	In addition, we have published a self-help guide to assist parents in managing their children's weight, a care pathway for treating and managing childhood obesity and an obesity bulletin to give practitioners and managers new tools to handle obesity. We are strengthening our actions in early years through schemes like Sure Start and through health visitors' targeted interventions. The data on height and weight that primary care trusts (PCTs) will be collecting in primary schools from this summer will help them identify which areas, schools or children's centres need particular help. Comprehensive National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on the prevention and treatment of obesity will also support PCTs' and practitioners' contribution to tackling obesity locally.

Olympics

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which officials in her Department  (a) are responsible for Olympics-related activity and  (b) sit on the inter-departmental steering group for the Olympics.

Caroline Flint: Professor Sue Atkinson, regional director of public health - London, is responsible for Olympics and paralympics-related activity within the Department and represents the Department on the inter-departmental steering group. Hilary Ross, public health manager in the regional public health group—London, is the Olympic co-ordinator in the Department.

Osteoporosis

Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made by her Department following the announcement in April 2005 of funding for DXA bone density scanners; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The Department allocated £3 million revenue (£214,000 each), on a non-recurrent basis in 2005-06, to 14 strategic health authorities (SHAs) for the purchase of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners on the basis of their lack of scanning capacity, according to evidence provided to us by the Office for National Statistics. Capital provision of £17 million has been made available in 2006-07 and 2007-08 to improve national health service capacity through investment in new Dexa scanning equipment. Responsibility of delivery for spend rests with SHAs.

Our Health, Our Say

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what task groups have been established to take forward the "Our Health, Our Say" White Paper implementation plan; and who has been appointed to each such group.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 22 June 2006
	The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what preparations her Department has made for a human papilloma virus vaccination programme.

Caroline Flint: A sub-group of the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) met in May 2006 to review all the available information on human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines and will hold further meetings during 2006. Implementation plans will be based on the advice of JCVI as to the most effective immunisation schedule should HPV vaccine be judged to be beneficial.

Sexual Health

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1567W, on sexual health, which sexually transmitted disease clinics have  (a) opened and  (b) closed in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: There are a number of different kinds of services that provide testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, which primary care trusts use to meet the needs of their population. Information on these services is not collected centrally.

Sexual Health

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the ability of genito-urinary medicine clinics to cope with the possible additional demand for their services arising from the sexual health education campaign; and what representations she has received on this;
	(2)  what date she originally expected her Department to launch its latest sexual health education campaign; and when it will be launched.

Caroline Flint: In developing the campaign, the Department is consulting with stakeholders, and the possible impact of the campaign on the demand for sexual health services is being carefully considered.
	The campaign planning process takes account of the fact that many areas will need time to make use of the major new investment, provided through the 'Choosing Health' White Paper, to improve capacity.
	The campaign will particularly target 16 to 24-year-olds, the group at highest risk, and links closely to the joint Department and Department for Education and Skills media campaign that supports the teenage pregnancy strategy. It will initially focus on strong prevention messages to minimise the immediate pressure on services until such time as the number of new infections begins to stabilise or decline. Only then will the campaign start to signpost people to screening and treatment. And this will happen gradually through local mechanisms to help ensure clinics will be able to meet demand, as progress is made in modernising sexual health services through the chlamydia screening programme, improved access to genito-urinary medicine and reproductive health services.
	The Department has not set a firm date for the campaign launch but current plans are being developed for later this year. We are committed to the most effective action possible and ensuring that we work closely with stakeholders. The overall aim of the campaign will be to drive greater personal responsibility for sexual health.

Wheelchairs

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect of NHS trust deficits on the provision of wheelchairs for disabled children.

Ivan Lewis: No assessment has been made of the effect of national health service trust deficits on the provision of wheelchairs for disabled children.
	Funding for all NHS wheelchair services comes out of revenue funding to primary care trusts (PCTs). This funding is not ring-fenced and it is for each PCT to assess local need and allocate funds accordingly.

TREASURY

Advance Pricing Agreements

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many advance pricing agreements  (a) have been made and  (b) were in force with multinational companies in each year since 2001; and in how many cases in each year (i) enforcement action was taken and (ii) penalties made in transfer pricing disputes.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is as follows.
	 (a) and  (b) The number of advance pricing agreements within s85 FA99 made in each year (and in force at the end of each year) was:
	
		
			   Number  In force at end of each year 
			 2000-01 6 5 
			 2001-02 9 14 
			 2002-03 6 16 
			 2003-04 10 22 
			 2004-05 10 22 
			 2005-06 7 18 
		
	
	All agreements relate to multinational companies.
	(i) The number of occasions where an Inland Revenue/HMRC intervention has resulted in a transfer pricing adjustment to a tax computation are:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2001-02 1,022 
			 2002-03 1,172 
			 2003-04 1,671 
			 2004-05 1,588 
			 2005-06 1,724 
		
	
	(ii) Penalties following transfer pricing inquiries have been agreed on five cases. These all fall in 2005-06.

AIDS

Lady Hermon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with G8 Finance Ministers on establishing a funding plan to achieve AIDS treatment for all by 2010.

Edward Balls: The UK has continued discussions with G8 partners on how to take forward the Gleneagles commitment to achieve universal access to HIV treatment for all those who need it by 2010. On 2 June 2006, the UN General Assembly agreed a political declaration on AIDS which commits to providing additional resources from donor countries and from national budgets. This follows the UNAIDS estimate that $20-23 billion dollars will be needed annually by 2010 to provide universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment care and support. The political declaration commits to ensure that costed, credible national HIV/AIDS plans are developed and funded, and include ambitious national targets for achieving universal access by 2010. The UK has also sought G8 commitment to ensure that the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and malaria has sufficient resources.
	The UK has committed to spend £1.5 billion to tackle the spread of HIV and AIDS between 2005-06 and 2007-08. We are working with UNAIDS who are leading the global effort of other donors, multilateral agencies, civil society and the private sector to ensure that additional resources are committed to support our efforts to achieve universal access.

BDO Stoy Hayward

Norman Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last met BDO Stoy Hayward; and what matters were discussed.

John Healey: holding answer 15 May 2006
	Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Biodiesel

Mark Hunter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken through the taxation system to encourage the production and availability to the motorist of biodiesel.

John Healey: The Government are committed to supporting biofuels as part of a long-term strategy to promote low carbon transport. The Budget announced the extension of the 20 pence per litre duty differential for biofuels until 2008-09, and set out a range of announcements about the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, which will begin in 2008-09 and will ensure biofuels comprise 5 per cent. of the road fuels market by 2010-11. Furthermore, we are awaiting state aid clearance to introduce an enhanced capital allowance (ECA) for the cleanest biofuels production plant, to support innovation and help develop the lowest-carbon biofuels production methods.

Birth/Death Statistics

Philip Dunne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the  (a) age-standardised mortality rates,  (b) still-birth rate and  (c) pregnancy (i) termination and (ii) miscarriage rate was for each electoral ward in Shropshire, in each year from 2000 to 2005.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 6 July 2006
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the (a) age-standardised mortality rates, (b) stillbirth rate and (c) pregnancy (i) termination and (ii) miscarriage rates for each electoral ward in Shropshire, in each year from 2000 to 2005. (82402)
	Information on stillbirths and on conceptions leading to terminations is routinely published for local authorities and strategic health authorities. Figures cannot be provided by electoral ward because of the risk of disclosing individual's information due to very small number of events.
	(a) Age-Standardised mortality rates for electoral ward are not available. However, Standardised Mortality Ratios (SMRs) and life expectancy at birth for wards in England and Wales for the period 1999-2003 are available on the National Statistics website at the addresses below.
	SMRs:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=14359
	Life expectancy:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=14466
	(b) Stillbirth rates for Shropshire County and county districts within Shropshire for each year from 2000 to 2004 are shown in the table below.
	(c)(i) Conceptions leading to termination rates for all ages for Shropshire County and county districts within Shropshire for each year from 2000 to 2004 (latest year for which figures are available) are shown in the table below. Figures for 2004 are provisional.
	(c)(ii) Figures on conceptions leading to miscarriages are not available because
	
		
			  (b) Stillbirth rate( 1) , 2000-04 
			  Area  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			 Shropshire County 6.9 5.7 3.3 5.3 4.0 
			 Bridgnorth 12.9 2.4 2.2 2.0 6.8 
			 North Shropshire 5.2 7.1 1.7 8.5 5.1 
			 Oswestry 5.6 3.2 5.6 10.4 5.2 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 7.8 7.9 5.1 3.9 3.1 
			 South Shropshire — 3.0 — 2.7 — 
			 (1) per 1,000 total births  Source: VS Tables 
		
	
	
		
			  (c)(i) Conceptions leading to termination: All age rate( 1) , 2000-04 
			  Area  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004( 2) 
			 Shropshire County 12 12 12 11 11 
			 Bridgnorth 11 12 12 11 13 
			 North Shropshire 12 11 11 11 11 
			 Oswestry 9 10 10 10 9 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 15 13 13 12 13 
			 South Shropshire 13 10 10 10 10 
			 (1) per 1,000 women aged 15-44 (2) Provisional

Competitiveness

David Tredinnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the principal factors affecting the competitiveness of UK businesses.

John Healey: The Budget Report provided an assessment of all areas of the UK economy, and action needed by Government to provide the right environment for businesses competing in the global environment.
	The Government's strategy for advancing productivity growth is based on two pillars: providing macroeconomic stability to allow firms and individuals to invest in the future, and making microeconomic reforms to ensure that markets function efficiently and that barriers to productivity growth are tackled.

Contributions Agency

Tim Boswell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on failures by the Contributions Agency to collect and credit national insurance contributions in 2004-05; and what action is being taken  (a) to avoid the issue of incorrect notices of deficient contributions and  (b) to restore contribution records to individuals affected by such failures.

Dawn Primarolo: There have been well publicised delays in processing 2004-05 Employer's Annual Returns. HM Revenue and Customs has now processed all error free returns.
	HMRC has posted 99 per cent. of the 42.7 million relevant individual national insurance records for employment to its National Insurance Recording System (NIRS) by June 2006. The number of records yet to be processed is in line with what HMRC would normally expect to have at this point in the year.
	HMRC is working hard to get the remaining data through to NIRS prior to the commencement of the Deficiency Notice (DN) exercise which is planned for September. It is anticipated that there will not be any increase in the amount of DNs issued than in any other normal year.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Paymaster General will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 15 May 2006, on the tax credit system (PO Ref: 4/25865/2006).

Dawn Primarolo: I expect to be in a position to write to the hon. Member very shortly.

Correspondence

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Chief Secretary to the Treasury will reply to the letter of 22 May from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding civil service pay and conditions.

Stephen Timms: I have done so.

Council Tax/Regional Rate

William McCrea: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of  (a) council tax in England and  (b) the regional rate in Northern Ireland was returned to central Government in each of the last three years.

Stephen Timms: Council tax is collected and retained by English local authorities and contributes towards their expenditure.
	The Northern Ireland regional rate is collected by the Rates Collection Agency and is paid into the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund. This income contributes towards the funding of public services in Northern Ireland.

ECOFIN Meeting

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date he agreed to attend the ECOFIN meeting on 7 June 2006; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: It is the Chancellor who holds the UK seat at the European Council of Finance Ministers.

Engagements

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he next plans to visit Coventry.

John Healey: holding answer 18 May 2006
	As part of his official duties the Chancellor of the Exchequer visits the regions and nations of the United Kingdom and will be continuing to do so over the coming months.

EU Nationals

Ian Davidson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many nationals from the EU accession states have applied for  (a) child benefit and  (b) tax credits since May 2004; and how many such applications have been (i) approved, (ii) rejected and (iii) terminated in each case.

Dawn Primarolo: These figures are included in the joint Accession Monitoring Report produced by the Home Office, Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue and Customs and Department for Communities and Local Government on 23 May 2006 and published on the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate's website (http://www. ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/reports/accession_ monitoring_report)

Families (Father Involvement)

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have to include consideration of ways to encourage fathers' involvement within the family in the cross-cutting review of support for children and young people being conducted as part of the 2007 comprehensive spending review.

Edward Balls: Budget 2006 launched a policy review of children and young people to inform the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. Copies of the review's terms of reference have been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	In "Support for parents: the best start for children", published at the pre-Budget report, HM Treasury and the Department for Education and Skills recognised the contributions that mothers and fathers make and their potentially different needs for support as parents. As part of wider examination of the role of and support for parents in improving outcomes for children and young people, the review will consider the contribution of fathers and other male carers.

Life Expectancy

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the long-term trend for life expectancy in Stoke-on-Trent; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 6 July 2006:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the long-term trend for life expectancy is in Stoke-on-Trent. I am replying in her absence. (80603)'
	Figures for life expectancy at birth for English regions and local authorities are published annually by ONS based on three-year rolling averages. Results are available from 1991-1993 to 2002-2004 and are included in the table below.
	
		
			  Life expectancy at birth (years) by sex in Stoke-on-Trent, 1991-93 to 2002-04( 1) 
			   Males  Females 
			 1991-1993 71.5 77.1 
			 1992-1994 71.9 77.5 
			 1993-1995 72.1 77.8 
			 1994-1996 72.2 78.6 
			 1995-1997 72.5 78.6 
			 1996-1998 72.7 78.7 
			 1997-1999 72.6 78.6 
			 1998-2000 72.8 78.7 
			 1999-2001 73.1 78.8 
			 2000-2002 73.5 78.9 
			 2001-2003 73.3 78.9 
			 2002-2004 73.2 78.7 
			 (1 )Results are based on death registrations and mid-year population estimates for each three year period.

Pension Rights

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mechanism is in place to ensure staff transferring from public to private sector under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) terms have their pension rights protected; and whether he has made an assessment of the compliance of existing arrangements with the Government's guidance on, Staff Transfers in the Public Sector: A Statement of Practice.

Stephen Timms: HM Treasury guidance: (Staff Transfers from Central Government: A Fair Deal for Staff Pensions) supplemented by further guidance issued in 2004 and Cabinet Office guidance: (Staff Transfers in the Public Sector Statement of Practice) remain in force. It is incumbent upon bodies or organisations transferring staff from the public sector to the private sector to be familiar with the guidance.

Pensions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to pages 58 and 59 of the White Paper Security in Retirement; Towards a New Pensions System, what the evidential basis is for the statement that  (a) 75 is the appropriate upper age limit for annuities and  (b) annuities offer good value for money.

Edward Balls: Latest Government Actuary Department (GAD) analysis shows that the guaranteed rates of return available on annuities by around age 75 become so large relative to other investments that increasingly unrealistic investment returns need to be achieved in order to match or do better than the income that could be achieved through an annuity. Any investment vehicle with an expected yield greater than an annuity after 75 would inevitably be both expensive and carry a significant degree of risk, which people in the later stages of life may be ill-equipped to bear. Of course the optimal age for individuals to annuitise before 75 will depend on a range of individual circumstances.
	A comprehensive academic survey on annuity pricing was published in March 2006. The authors conclude that after looking at the most recent analysis,
	"The mark-up paid to life insurers—measured by the so-called money's worth ratio—is relatively small and fairly constant, thus suggesting that annuities are fairly priced".
	These findings are in line with previous annuity pricing studies covering different countries and time periods. The full paper can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2005-2006/rrep318. pdf, DWP research paper 318 'Annuities—A Pricing Survey', Edmund Cannon and Ian Tonks.
	The Government are committed to publishing a technical paper setting out the evidence base for policy in this area later this year.

Retirement Age

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2006,  Official Report, columns 1695-6W, on retirement age, if he will break down the estimated percentage probability by  (a) female and  (b) male workers; what assumptions have been used by the Government Actuary's Department in relation to the impact of the announced changes in early retirement rights on staff turnover levels; and if he will place in the Library the supporting data for the answer produced by the Government Actuary's Department.

Stephen Timms: Estimated probabilities that new entrants aged 20 will not remain in the scheme at normal retirement are in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage of workers 
			  Scheme  Male  Female 
			 IPS (E and W)(1) 82 93 
			 NHSPS (E and W) 93 95 
			 (1) Includes all members who leave the scheme before normal retirement age, even those who subsequently rejoin and are members at normal retirement age. 
		
	
	These figures are based on the analysis of staff turnover in the Government Actuary's Department's latest actuarial valuations of the teachers' pension scheme (England and Wales) and the national health service pension scheme (England and Wales), which are available in the Library.
	The assumed rates of turnover are derived from an analysis of the actual turnover experienced in the past. Allowance has been made for the strong link between resignation rates and duration of employment. Levels of staff turnover may be different in the future. The introduction of new pension schemes for new entrants is one of many factors that will influence staff turnover; others include future economic conditions and the ease of mobility in the labour market. Given these uncertainties and the link between employment length and resignation no explicit allowance for the effect of introducing new public sector pension schemes was made in calculating the figures.

Tallow

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the value is of support through the tax system for the use of tallow in the production of biodiesel;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the impact of decisions of other European Governments to lower or remove subsidies for the burning of tallow for power or in the production of biodiesel.

John Healey: The use of tallow in the production of biodiesel used as road fuel is supported through a duty incentive. Fuel produced from tallow is eligible for the rate of duty for biodiesel (currently 27.10p per litre) if it meets the legal definition of biodiesel for tax purposes set out in section 2AA of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979. In other cases it is liable to duty at 47.10p per litre.
	In addition, tallow used in power generation is not liable to any duty, while fuel oil (which is mainly used for this purpose) is liable to duty at the rate of 6.04p per litre.
	We have not carried out any assessment of the impact of decisions of other European Governments to lower or remove subsidies for the burning of tallow for power or in the production of biodiesel.

Tax Credits

Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his ministerial responsibilities are in relation to tax credits.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 7 June 2006,  Official Report, column 862W.

TRANSPORT

Airspace (Northern Home Counties)

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the terms of reference are for the review of the management of the airspace over northern home counties of England being undertaken by the National Air Traffic Services.

Gillian Merron: This is an operational matter for NATS. I suggest the hon. Member writes to the chief executive of NATS, Paul Barren, for information on the matter.

Antisocial Behaviour (Trains)

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) staff and  (b) passengers on the rail network were assaulted in the last 12 months, broken down by region.

Derek Twigg: The British Transport Police (BTP) have provided the following data in relation to the number of assaults of  (a) staff and  (b) passengers on the rail network from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006.
	
		
			  BTP area  Number of staff assaults 
			 London North 523 
			 London South 745 
			 London Underground 805 
			 North Eastern 108 
			 North Western 191 
			 Wales and Western 275 
			 Scottish 139 
			 Total 2,786 
		
	
	
		
			  BTP area  Number of passenger assaults 
			 London North 865 
			 London South 1,541 
			 London Underground 1,548 
			 North Eastern 482 
			 North Western 471 
			 Wales and Western 491 
			 Scottish 259 
			 Total 5,657

Buses

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bus compliance officers there are in each region of England; how many orders restricting operators from running services in  (a) 2004-05 and  (b) 2005-06 were issued by traffic commissioners; and how many non-compliant bus operators were called to inquiry by traffic commissioners in the last 12 months.

Gillian Merron: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 15 June 2006,  Official Report, columns 1325-6W for the number of bus compliance officers there are in each traffic area of the UK.
	In 2004-05 there were 10 orders restricting operators from running services issued by traffic commissioners, in 2005-06 there were eight.
	There were 21 non-compliant bus operators called to public inquiry in 2005-06 and in 2006-07 there have been three to 1 June. The number of non-compliant bus operators called to inquiry by traffic commissioners in the last 12 months can only be provided at disproportionate cost due to the way in which VOSA's figures have been recorded.

Detrunking

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what total length of roads has been detrunked in each  (a) county council and  (b) unitary authority area since 2001.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Eddington Review

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the Eddington review has cost; and how much has been budgeted for the review.

Gillian Merron: Rod Eddington has been asked to provide advice to the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Transport, and is not being remunerated for his work. He is supported by a team of 10 civil servants drawn from the Department for Transport and HM Treasury. Other admin and programme costs to date total approximately £190,000.
	Costs are shared between the Department for Transport and HM Treasury and are being met from the existing budgets for those two Departments.

Freight Containers

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the proportion of freight containers in use in England and Wales that will become illegal as a result of the new European regulations on container dimensions.

Stephen Ladyman: There are no new European regulations on general freight container dimensions. However, the carriage of certain types of container may be prohibited by Directive 96/53/EC which sets out, amongst other things, the maximum dimensions for goods vehicles when carrying freight containers.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the  (a) number and  (b) proportion of heavy goods vehicles on roads in England which were registered abroad in each of the last three years.

Stephen Ladyman: Estimates of the number and proportion of foreign registered heavy goods vehicles on roads in England are not available. However, estimated numbers leaving the UK are published in table 1 of the quarterly bulletin "Road Goods Vehicles Travelling to Mainland Europe". A copy of this bulletin is available on the DfT website at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/page/dft_transstats_611744.hcsp.
	Based on DfT's "Survey of Foreign Vehicle Activity in GB: 2003" it is estimated that foreign heavy goods vehicles account for about 3 per cent. of all heavy goods vehicle kilometres on GB roads.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether foreign-registered heavy goods vehicles are required to have insurance cover comparable to that required of domestic-registered heavy goods vehicles.

Stephen Ladyman: Yes; all motor vehicles when in use in the UK, including heavy goods vehicles registered abroad, must have insurance cover for third party liabilities meeting the minimum levels of cover required by Section 145 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Liverpool Lime Street Station

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he expects the improvements to Liverpool Lime Street Station to be completed in time for the 2008 European Capital of Culture celebrations.

Derek Twigg: The timetable for completion of any improvements to Liverpool Lime Street Station is a matter for members of the partnership that has been formed to progress the project.

M56

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the problems with the bridge on the slip road between the M56 and the A556 near Altrincham in Cheshire were first identified; how long the exploratory work has taken; and what estimate he has made of the likely date for the full reopening of the slip road.

Stephen Ladyman: The Highways Agency first became aware of deficiencies in the bridge carrying the westbound exit sliproad at Junction 7 of the M56 motorway, following an assessment in 2001. This resulted in the installation of temporary supports and loading restrictions. Since 2001, the Agency has undertaken further detailed investigatory works to confirm the problem and determine the remedial solution required.
	The latest phase in the investigatory work, undertaken between late February and mid June 2006, was to confirm the true extent of the defects and to refine the methods of working, in advance of the planned main refurbishment scheme. During these additional investigations, unexpected structural defects in the bridge were identified. As a result, traffic using the sliproad will continue to be restricted to a single lane, with a 40mph speed limit, for safety reasons. Short-term measures, and options for a permanent solution, are under consideration, and the timing of the resulting works will be subject to the scale of the work required and the availability of funding.

Motorcycles

Martin Salter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken by his Department regarding the safety of children of primary school age or below travelling as passengers on motorcycles.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department has not commissioned any research on this topic.

Motorcycles

Martin Salter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which regulations govern the transport of children of primary school age or below as passengers on motorcycles.

Stephen Ladyman: There is no minimum age limit in respect of pillion passengers on motorcycles but there are a number of regulations with which a motorcycle rider must comply, including that: pillion passengers must be able to sit securely astride properly fixed seats with their feet reaching suitable supports or rests; they must wear a safety helmet that is securely fastened to the head—an adult helmet may not be suitable for children; only motorcyclists who have passed a motorcycle test may carry passengers; and any passenger must be carried in a manner so that no danger is caused, or likely to be caused, to any person either on the vehicle or on the road.

National Motorcycling Strategy

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much it cost to  (a) research,  (b) write and  (c) publish the National Motorcycling Strategy.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government's Motorcycling Strategy was published in February 2005. This built on the work of the Advisory Group on Motorcycling, which was established in 1999 and produced its final report in August 2004. The work involved in the Advisory Group on Motorcycling and in producing the Government's Motorcycling Strategy formed part of normal civil service duties.
	Three documents were published as part of this process.
	Information on the design and printing costs for the Advisory Group on Motorcycling—interim report, April 2001 could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The costs of the other two documents are as follows:—
	Advisory Group on Motorcycling—final report to Government, August 2004, printing and typesetting, total cost £1,371.60 plus VAT
	The Government's Motorcycling Strategy, February 2005, printing and typesetting, total cost £4,260.00 plus VAT
	Various motorcycle research projects have been undertaken, as part of the Department for Transport's road safety research programme, which informed the work of the Advisory Group on Motorcycling and the Government's Motorcycling Strategy. The total costs for completed research is £1,295,650 plus VAT and includes the following projects:
	'Police fatal road accident reports—Analysis';
	'Multivariate Analysis of Motorcyclist's Accident Risk Factors';
	'Scoping Study on Motorcycling Training';
	'The Older Motorcyclist';
	'SUNFLOWER+6 Extension';
	'In-depth Study of Motorcycle Accidents'.
	There are also several ongoing motorcycle research projects arising from this work. The total cost for these projects is £487,304 plus VAT which are:
	'In-depth Study of Motorcycle Training';
	'Car Drivers' Skills and Attitudes in Relation to Motorcycle Safety';
	'Rider Fatigue and Accident Risk';
	'Analysis of OTS Data to Supplement Maids Motorcycle Study'.

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from passenger train operating companies regarding fare increases on recently awarded franchises.

Derek Twigg: The Department for Transport has received no representations from train operating companies regarding fares increases on recently awarded franchises.

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether additional premium payments made to the Government by rail franchises under agreements reached since 2005 will be  (a) returned to the Consolidated Fund and  (b) made available to his Department for spending on transport.

Derek Twigg: All premium payments received from rail franchises are appropriated in aid by the Department and the funds are made available for spending on transport.

Railways

David Mundell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce high-speed rail links between Edinburgh and London.

Derek Twigg: The Government have a manifesto commitment to look at the feasibility and affordability of a new north-south high-speed link. The Government have committed to take this forward in the development of a long-term strategy for the railways, drawing on Sir Rod Eddington's advice on the long-term impact of transport decisions on the UK's productivity, stability and growth.

Railways

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department first learned of First train operator's plans to stop recognising cheap day returns between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm on Mondays to Fridays; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 4 July 2006
	First Group's bid for the Thameslink/Great Northern franchise included a proposal to restrict the use of day return fares during the evening peak on certain routes. They did not give the Department any advance notification of the date they intended to implement the proposal. However, day returns are unregulated fares and it is for operators to decide whether to offer them and, if so at what price and with what restrictions.

Regional Planning Assessments

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much it has cost to research, write and publish each of the Regional Planning Assessments for the railways.

Derek Twigg: Two Regional Planning Assessments for the railway (RPAs) have been published: the North East and Eastern RPAs. The total costs were £231,900 and £257,266 respectively (including VAT).

Speed Cameras

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed cameras have been vandalised in the Lancashire police authority area in each of the last five years.

Stephen Ladyman: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer on 15 February 2006,  Official Report, column 2054W, to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans).

Staff Absenteeism

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many working days were lost to his Department and its executive agencies in each year since 1997 due to staff absenteeism, expressed as the average annual number of absent days per employee; and what the estimated total cost to the Department and its agencies of absenteeism was in each year.

Gillian Merron: holding answer 19 June 2006
	The Department for Transport was only established following machinery of Government changes in May 2002. Each year the Cabinet Office publish an annual report 'Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service' that contains reported sick absence data across Government Departments.
	Figures from the Cabinet Office report for the Department and its Agencies for days lost due to sick absence are available for 2003 and 2004 as follows:
	
		
			   Average annual number of absent days per employee  Estimated cost (£) 
			
			 2003 10.1 12,242,168 
			 2004 7.5 11,532,057 
		
	
	Figures for 2005 are not available but will be published later this year. Copies of reports are available on the civil service website.

Tonnage Tax Scheme

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the annual cost was to the Exchequer of the SMarT 1 funding scheme for participants in the tonnage tax scheme in each of the last five years.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is not available. Some tonnage tax companies and groups contract out training to independent training providers. The SMarT 1 claims made by these training providers are in respect of the training they provide for all of their clients, and disaggregated figures are not available for those within tonnage tax only.
	However, the total cost to the Exchequer of SMarT 1 funding for the last five years, and the amounts paid to tonnage tax companies and groups who are also SMarT training providers was as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			   Total SMarT 1 funding  Total SMarT 1 funding paid to tonnage tax companies/groups who are SMarT training providers 
			 2005-06 6,948,239 1,578,247 
			 2004-05 6,826,856 1,813,434 
			 2003-04 5,968,316 1,826,561 
			 2002-03 5,185,305 1,584,803 
			 2001-02 4,296,243 1,317,088

Transport Select Committee

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action has been taken by his Department to implement Transport Select Committee recommendations since the 2001-02 Session; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: The Department takes very seriously all recommendations contained in Select Committee reports and where possible, addresses each and every one in our response.
	If the Committee do not feel that their recommendations have been properly responded to, they are of course able to publish further reports.

Transport Direct

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people have used www.transportdirect.info in each of the last 12 months.

Stephen Ladyman: Statistics for both the number of people who have used Transport Direct and the number of pages that they have accessed are as follows:
	
		
			  Month  User sessions  Pages accessed 
			 July 2005 234,101 1,938,772 
			 August 2005 329,047 2,403,413 
			 September 2005 345,802 2,440,177 
			 October 2005 344,968 2,572,766 
			 November 2005 378,911 3,165,276 
			 December 2005 373,853 3,448,952 
			 January 2006 406,927 3,872,218 
			 February 2006 427,997 4,202,907 
			 March 2006 425,772 4,427,304 
			 April 2006 436,718 4,085,244 
			 May 2006 475,161 4,435,045 
			 June 2006 602,648 4,689,903 
			 Grand total 4,781,905 41,681,977

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Alcohol Sales

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what controls the licensing regime imposes on the sale of alcohol to minors via  (a) fast food delivery outlets and  (b) shopping purchases online.

Shaun Woodward: holding answer 3 July 2006
	Since 24 November 2005, it has become an offence to sell alcohol anywhere to a person under 18. There are no longer any exceptions.
	Under the new licensing regime, we have:
	made protection of children from harm a statutory objective of the Licensing Act 2003;
	introduced fixed penalty notices for selling to children, and for purchase or attempted purchase by children, and these offences apply equally to mail order or internet purchases;
	increased the fines fivefold for offences of selling to children, from a maximum of £1,000 up to £5,000;
	ensured that personal licences can now be lost for a first offence;
	ensured that premises licences, including those for a fast food outlet or a mail order or internet company, are subject to review for such behaviour, with temporary closures, reduced hours and licence revocation if necessary;
	brought forward the Violent Crime Reduction Bill with proposals for a new offence of persistent selling to children and a power to close offending retailers; and
	created powers by which premises licences can be made subject to conditions restricting or prohibiting the presence of children.

BBC World (China)

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what filtering takes place of BBC World programmes in China.

Shaun Woodward: I understand that BBC World's programmes in China are not filtered by the BBC but, as part of the channel's distribution agreement, the channel signal is downlinked in China and, in common with other overseas satellite television broadcasters, is re-uplinked on the Sino satellite. On occasion BBC World's signal has been interrupted or suspended by the Chinese authorities prior to the re-uplink of the signal on the Sino satellite platform.

Braille/Audio/Large Print Publications

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding her Department has provided for  (a) Braille,  (b) audio and  (c) large print books, newspapers and magazines in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: My Department has no specific budget to fund Braille, audio and large print publications. However, these publications benefit through Government support for libraries and the publishing industry generally, and more widely, by the way we encourage all industries to make their publications accessible to all. There have also been almost £10 million worth of Lottery projects which have involved publications for the visually impaired.

Broadcast Rights Payments

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate her Department has made of the lost revenue to UK companies and recording artists from the lack of payments for broadcast rights in the USA; and what estimate has been supplied to her Department by the music industry.

Shaun Woodward: This Department has not made such an estimate. However, the recording industry has estimated that a change in US law in respect of broadcasting rights would enable it to earn additional revenue of approximately £281 million. Furthermore, in 2001 the European Commission estimated that the US Fairness in Music Licensing Act 1998, had cost composers, songwriters and music publishers some $25 million a year in lost royalties.

Licensing Legislation

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the progress on preparation of the new licensing legislation consultation document.

Shaun Woodward: We are conducting a review of the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 in two stages.
	Following an initial review, which covered issues where a broad consensus existed among stakeholders, supplementary guidance was tabled in Parliament on 22 June 2006. The supplement is now in force and has been made available to all licensing authorities.
	We will conduct a formal public consultation on the fuller review over the summer with a view to tabling any revised guidance in Parliament by the end of 2006.

Listed Buildings

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on how many occasions since 1997 a previously listed building has been de-listed  (a) after English Heritage had advised against de-listing,  (b) after English Heritage has advised in favour of de-listing and  (c) because the building was fundamentally damaged; and whether any of the buildings de-listed were subsequently demolished.

David Lammy: Between 1997 and 2005 inclusive, 696 buildings were removed from the statutory list.
	We do not hold data on decisions to de-list buildings in the format you request, and to compile it would incur disproportionate costs. Neither DCMS nor English Heritage holds data on whether de-listed buildings were subsequently demolished.

Listed Buildings

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many buildings were  (a) listed and  (b) de-listed in each year since 1997; and how many had their listing changed (i) from grade I to grade II and (ii) from grade II to grade I.

David Lammy: The figures for questions  (a) and  (b) are set out as follows:
	
		
			  (a) Buildings removed from the list 
			   Number 
			 1997 144 
			 1998 77 
			 1999 127 
			 2000 72 
			 2001 70 
			 2002 53 
			 2003 38 
			 2004 61 
			 2005 54 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Buildings added to the list 
			   Number 
			 1997 1,217 
			 1998 1,926 
			 1999 2,276 
			 2000 1,310 
			 2001 804 
			 2002 538 
			 2003 543 
			 2004 485 
			 2005 554 
		
	
	We do not hold a central record of cases in which buildings were upgraded from I to II or downgraded from II to I, and to compile it would incur disproportionate costs.

Radio Licences

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2006,  Official Report, column 407W, on radio licences, what factors she took into account when deciding that there was not a case for a review at this time; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: It is a well established principle in the UK that broadcasting is carried out independently of Government. Accordingly, decisions on the licensing of radio stations are made by Ofcom, the independent regulator, free from Government intervention. We are not aware of any evidence which suggests that this principle should be reviewed.

Television Licences

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what information TV Licensing provides about local Paypoint facilities in Swansea to pay for television licences;
	(2)  what advice is being given to people by TV Licensing about  (a) the withdrawal of television licence stamps and  (b) arrangements for their replacement.

Shaun Woodward: The BBC, as television licensing authority, has responsibility for the administration of the licensing system. TV Licensing operates under contract to the corporation. I have therefore asked the BBC's Head of Revenue Management to reply. Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Television Licences

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the withdrawal of television licence savings stamps.

Shaun Woodward: The BBC, as television licensing authority, is replacing television licence savings stamps with a new, card-based savings scheme. This scheme offers similar ease of use to stamps and important advantages, including added security for savers, (with a central record of their credit balances). Savings stamps can be used to purchase a TV licence at a post office until 31 July this year, after which they will be redeemable for cash from TV Licensing, without limit of time.

Television Licences

Ann Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people over 75 years in Brentford and Isleworth constituency receive free television licences.

Shaun Woodward: TV Licensing, which administer (as agents for the BBC) free television licences for people aged 75 or over are not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, according to the Department for Work and Pensions records the number of households with at least one person aged 75 or over claiming the winter fuel payment in 2004-05 in the Brentford and Isleworth constituency was 4,865.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Departmental Chief Accounting Officer

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Solicitor-General what the  (a) name,  (b) professional and academic qualifications and  (c) relevant experience are of the chief accounting officer of each of the Law Officers' Departments.

Mike O'Brien: For my Departments the answer is as follows:
	 CPS
	The DPP, Ken Macdonald QC, is the Accounting Officer. He has an honours degree in politics, philosophy and Economics; and was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1978.
	 Treasury Solicitor
	The Principal Accounting officer for HM Procurator General and Treasury Solicitor is Juliet Wheldon DCB QC. She read history at university and was called to the Bar in 1975.
	 SFO
	The Principal Accounting Officer is the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Robert Wardle LIB, a solicitor of the Supreme Court who has prosecution experience over 28 years.
	 RCPO
	The Accounting Office of the Revenue and Customs Prosecution Office is David Green QC who is also the Department's Director. He is a graduate of Cambridge University (MA Hons) and has been a member of the Bar (Inner Temple) since 1979.
	The role of the Accounting Officer is one that the Permanent Secretary or Head of Department combines with his/her personal responsibility for the overall organisation, management and staffing of the Department and for Department-wide procedures in financial and other matters. The Accounting Officer is assisted in the discharge of these duties by suitably qualified and experienced senior managers, such as the Finance Director.

Parliamentary Questions

Chris Mullin: To ask the Solicitor-General when he will reply to question number 77183, on looters in Basra, tabled by the hon. Member for Sunderland, South on 8 June.

Mike O'Brien: I replied to the hon. Member on 5 July 2006,  Official Report, column 1111W.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Abandoned Cars

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to ensuring that abandoned cars are removed from public highways and council land within a reasonable time period.

Ben Bradshaw: The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 includes provisions that amend legislation relating to abandoned vehicles, with the effect that from 18 October 2005, all abandoned vehicles can be removed immediately from a road. A 'road' is defined in statute but is not restricted to the public highway and includes all roads to which the public have access and will, in many cases, include private roads running through housing estates.

Agricultural Workers

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultations were undertaken with employers of seasonal agricultural workers scheme students on changes to the employment contracts of those students; what discussions he had with the Home Office; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 3 July 2006
	The Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme (SAWS) is operated by the Home Office. Defra provides advice to the Home Office on how minimum wage legislation is applied in the agricultural sector and any implications it has for SAWS. This procedure was followed during the drafting of the contract clarification letter issued by the Home Office on 22 June. The Home Office is not involved in drawing up contracts of employment which are a matter for individual employers and their employees.

Aquaculture

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what compensation is available to aquaculture industries in cases where compulsory slaughter is ordered due to an outbreak of a list 2 disease; and what recent discussions he has had with the aquaculture industry on this issue.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 5 July 2006
	Under successive Governments, compensation has not been available for the compulsory slaughter of fish due to an outbreak of serious fish diseases; this remains my Department's policy.
	Following the recent outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia on a trout farm in the River Ouse catchment area, I have held meetings with farmers in the area and their representative organisations to hear their concerns and consider options for alleviating current difficulties.

Brixham Fish Market

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2006,  Official Report, columns 386-87W, on Brixham fish market, why a final decision on the funding of Brixham fish market will only be made when an assessment of the potential impact of a possible restriction of scallop dredging in Lyme Bay is completed.

Ben Bradshaw: To take into account all the factors that could affect the economic viability of Brixham fish market, when taking a decision on whether to grant a significant sum of public funding for its redevelopment. These factors include a possible restriction in scallop dredging. Bearing in mind that scallops form a significant part of the value of landings into Brixham, my officials sought further information on the potential effect of a loss of revenue from this source and an assurance from the applicant that this had been considered.
	I am pleased to say that following consideration of this further information and receipt of an assurance from Torbay council, officials have approved the application for grant funding of the market, and the council has been informed of this decision.

Creameries

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he has had discussions with Office of Fair Trading officials on the number of creameries available for dairy farmers to sell their products to.

Barry Gardiner: There have been no discussions on this. However, officials regularly discuss matters relating to the dairy sector.

Dairy Industry

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will set up a regulator of the price of milk for a temporary period.

Barry Gardiner: The Government supported the conclusion of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee in 2004, that there was no compelling evidence in favour of setting up a regulatory body to oversee the dairy industry. It is difficult to see how a regulator could determine a fair price other than by reference to a market price. A price regulator would almost certainly be incompatible with EU competition law and with the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products.

Debt Collectors

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether  (a) his Department and  (b) its (i) executive agencies and (ii) non-departmental public bodies use the services of private debt collectors.

Barry Gardiner: The services of private debt collectors are not used by DEFRA, its executive agencies or DEFRA funded advisory non-departmental public bodies (not including minor bodies).

Departmental Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what plans he has for legislation in the next Session of Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will list those Government Bills sponsored by his Department that are still to be introduced during the 2005-06 Session.

Barry Gardiner: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House of Commons on 16 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1431W.

Departmental Catering

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of food served in his Department's catering establishments was of British origin in 2005; and what instructions he has issued to the provider of food services regarding the sourcing of food.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 16 June 2006
	From information held centrally, the proportion of food served in the Department's catering establishments that is of British origin is 100 per cent. for eggs and milk products; 90 per cent. for cheeses; 80 per cent. to 100 per cent. for root vegetables; 50 per cent. to 80 per cent. for salad vegetables; 25 per cent. to 40 per cent. for fruit; 85 per cent. for fish; 100 per cent. for bakery products; 80 per cent. for chicken; 70 per cent. for beef; 15 per cent. for lamb; 25 per cent. for bacon and 90 per cent. for pork.
	DEFRA's catering services providers are required to use food produce which is fresh and seasonal including organic produce. They are also required to develop the use of small and medium sized enterprises in their food supply chains. The catering services providers are required to have full regard to the objectives of the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI). The service performance of the catering services providers is the subject of continuous assessment and review.

Departmental Chief Accounting Officer

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the  (a) name,  (b) professional and academic qualifications and  (c) relevant experience are of the chief accounting officer of his Department.

Barry Gardiner: I refer to my answer of 30 November 2005,  Official Report, column 506W, which gave details of the Department's Finance Director. The Department's Principal Accounting Officer is Helen Ghosh, Permanent Secretary.
	Accounting Officer is a role that the Permanent Secretary combines with her personal responsibility for the overall organisation, management and staffing of the department and for department-wide procedures in financial and other matters. The Accounting Officer is assisted in the discharge of these duties by suitably qualified and experienced senior managers, such as the Finance Director.

Departmental Pensions

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will estimate the pension liability of his Department over the next 30 years.

Barry Gardiner: A technical note by HM Treasury which was placed in the Library of the House on 2 March 2006 following an oral statement in Parliament by the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury, 2 March 2006,  Official Report, columns 388-390.
	Pension liabilities are not estimated for individual Departments, they are estimated for individual pension schemes, as shown in the breakdown of liabilities per pension scheme given in table 1 of the technical note. The technical note covers all the major schemes.
	The technical note provides detailed information about the size and nature of the liabilities and how they are calculated. Pension liabilities represent obligations already incurred which will fall due to be met over many decades, up to 80 years or more. Neither Government nor private sector pension providers engage in speculation about additional liabilities that might be incurred in future years.

Departmental Premises (Security)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are in place to ensure that no illegal immigrants are employed in the manned guarding of his Department's premises.

Barry Gardiner: For our main headquarters buildings we employ a mix of in-house and contract guards. For the former we carry out a robust basic check on all successful applicants which includes confirmation of identity, nationality (including right to work), criminal record declaration and references. Following a successful outcome of the basic check all guards undergo formal security vetting.
	All contract guards throughout the DEFRA estate must be licensed under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. This provides us with assurance that identities and criminal records have been checked. For headquarters-based contract guards we also subject them to formal security vetting as a matter of routine.

Departmental Premises (Security)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department has  (a) directly and  (b) indirectly employed illegal immigrants as security guards.

Barry Gardiner: We are not aware that we have directly or indirectly employed illegal immigrants as security guards.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people over the age of 55 years have been recruited into his Department in each of the last three years.

Barry Gardiner: The number of people over the age of 55 recruited into DEFRA, the Government Decontamination Service, the Marine Fisheries Agency, the Pesticides Safety Directorate, the State Veterinary Service, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in the each of the last three calendar years was as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2003 58 
			 2004 53 
			 2005 57

Departmental Websites

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many websites there are within his responsibilities; and what the total cost of maintaining such websites was in the last year for which figures are available.

Barry Gardiner: DEFRA directly operates a number of websites, including the main DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk) and the Government's sustainable development website (www.sustainable-development. gov.uk).
	Direct operating coststhe staff costs for the central team with lead responsibility for updating and maintaining websites and for website policyare estimated to be around 352,000 for the last financial year. Additional costs arise from the activities of a large number of staff in business units across the Department, contributing to the content of websites as part of their communications activities, but an overall cost for this could not be readily estimated. Website hosting servicesas well as a range of IT applicationsare provided as part of DEFRA's overall IT service provision and the costs could not be readily disaggregated.
	A number of other websites are operated by or on behalf of the Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies, for which costs are either covered by the budgets for specific programmes (and not separately identified), or included within the above figures. Detailed information is not currently held centrally for such websites, and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.

Farm Employment

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people were employed in  (a) dairy farming,  (b) beef farming,  (c) sheep farming,  (d) arable farming,  (e) mixed farming and  (f) other forms of farming in Yeovil constituency in (i) 1990, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2005.

Barry Gardiner: The number of people working on agricultural and horticultural holdings in Yeovil constituency by predominant farm type are as follows. constituency level data are not available before 1998. Changes in farm type classifications mean figures for the cattle and sheep and grazing livestock categories are not directly comparable across the years.
	
		
			  Farm type  2000  2005 
			  Employees (including salaried manager and casual workers)   
			 Cereals 17 25 
			 General cropping 68 41 
			 Horticulture 208 179 
			 Pigs and poultry 27 9 
			 Dairy 193 175 
			 Cattle and sheep (less favoured area) 0 n/a 
			 Grazing livestock (less favoured area) n/a 0 
			 Cattle and sheep (lowland) 74 n/a 
			 Grazing livestock (lowland) n/a 105 
			 Mixed 69 29 
			 Other types 48 42 
			
			  Total labour force (including farmers, partners, directors and employees)   
			 Cereals 71 110 
			 General cropping 133 87 
			 Horticulture 283 265 
			 Pigs and poultry 65 59 
			 Dairy 515 444 
			 Cattle and sheep (less favoured area) 0 n/a 
			 Grazing livestock (less favoured area) n/a 0 
			 Cattle and sheep (lowland) 413 n/a 
			 Grazing livestock (lowland) n/a 489 
			 Mixed 152 105 
			 Other types 199 156 
			  Source: June Agricultural Survey

Farm Payments

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans to pay interest on outstanding payments due on  (a) hill farm allowance,  (b) protein supplements and  (c) energy crop supplements.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 4 July 2006
	The protein supplements and aid for energy crops are made under Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy and have a legal payment deadline of 30 June 2006. As such, the Rural Payments Agency will be making interest payments at the London Interbank Offered Rate +1 per cent., calculated from 1 July 2006, in respect of any such payments which are paid after this deadline and where responsibility for the delay rests with the Rural Payments Agency. This will be subject to a minimum interest payment level of 50.
	The hill farm allowance payments are made under Pillar 2 (Rural Development) of the Common Agricultural Policy and have no legal deadline. At present we do not consider that there is a case for the payment of interest in respect of hill farm allowance.

Fish Deaths (Cuckoo Hollow)

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will ask the Environment Agency to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death by asphyxiation of 5,000 fish at Cuckoo Hollow, Werrington, Peterborough on 15 June 2006; whether the Agency has in place a plan to prevent similar occurrences during future periods of hot weather; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 5 July 2006
	The Environment Agency has been fully involved in investigating the incident at Cuckoo Hollow. Agency staff found that dissolved oxygen levels in the lake were very low, largely because of high temperatures over the previous weekend. Action was taken by Agency staff to replenish oxygen levels in the lake, and to ensure that there were no signs of any chemical pollution.
	The Environment Agency is continuing to work with Peterborough city council, the owner of the lake, to ensure actions are taken to minimise any possibility of a reoccurrence in the future.

Judicial Review

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what occasions an  (a) individual and  (b) organisation has applied for a judicial review of decisions of his Department in each year since 1997; and what the outcome was of each case where proceedings have been completed.

Barry Gardiner: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Marine Bill

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to present a draft Marine Bill to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 3 July 2006,  Official Report, column 745W.

Meat Imports

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of beef and beef products were imported into the UK from  (a) other EU member states and  (b) other countries in (i) 2004 and (ii) 2005.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table shows imports of beef and beef products into the UK split by EU countries and other countries.
	
		
			  Imports of beef and beef products into the UK 
			  Tonnes 
			  EU/Non-EU  Beef product  Country  2004  2005 
			 EU Beef (fresh or  chilled) Irish Republic 130,020 108,270 
			   Netherlands 10,134 9,165 
			   Germany 4,794 2,805 
			   Poland 2,340 2,760 
			   Denmark 1,779 1,412 
			   France 1,698 1,416 
			   Belgium 1,621 1,315 
			   Italy 1,492 975 
			   Other 430 227 
			  Beef Product Irish Republic 69,458 94,430 
			   Netherlands 5,758 5,861 
			   Germany 3,063 4,794 
			   Denmark 4,510 1,972 
			   France 2,494 2,776 
			   Belgium 1,495 1,926 
			   Sweden 502 747 
			   Poland 422 287 
			   Other 710 529 
			  Beef (frozen) Irish Republic 29,567 28,270 
			   Germany 5,341 6,400 
			   Italy 7,622 3,006 
			   Netherlands 6,980 3,497 
			   France 5,064 2,370 
			   Belgium 3,208 2,558 
			   Spain 1,388 622 
			   Denmark 877 682 
			   Poland 384 634 
			   Other 142 32 
			 EU Total   303,291 289,737 
			  
			 Non-EU Beef Product Brazil 59,008 53,576 
			   Argentina 9,101 7,574 
			   Uruguay 4,233 4,987 
			   South Africa 388 254 
			   Botswana 285 201 
			   New Zealand 32 311 
			   Other 607 255 
			  Beef (fresh or  chilled) Brazil 13,826 13,811 
			   Argentina 6,110 6,647 
			   Namibia 5,723 5,649 
			   Uruguay 4,472 5,669 
			   Australia 5,227 4,631 
			   Botswana 4,052 3,048 
			   Chile 135 886 
			   Other 303 209 
			  Beef (frozen) Brazil 20,785 18,365 
			   Argentina 2,531 2,590 
			   Uruguay 1,099 1,202 
			   Botswana 796 414 
			   Namibia 489 213 
			   Other 183 137 
			 Non-EU Total   139,384 130,628 
			 Grand Total   442,675 420,365 
			  Notes: 1. Data prepared by Trade statistics, Agricultural Statistics and Analysis Division, DEFRA. 2. 2005 data is subject to amendments. 3. EU data based on EU 25.  Source: H M Revenue and Customs

Milk

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he plans to have with the  (a) Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers and  (b) National Union of Farmers on the price for milk paid to farmers.

Barry Gardiner: The Government share farmers' concerns over the low farmgate price of milk and Ministers meet regularly with both representatives of the diary industry and the NFU. However, price negotiations between producers and processors, are a private commercial matter in which Government cannot get involved, as long as competition rules are respected.

Milk

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) liquid milk and  (b) milk powder was (i) imported and (ii) exported in each of the last three years.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 4 July 2006
	The following table shows exports from the UK and imports into the UK of liquid milk and milk powder for 2003 to 2005.
	
		
			2003  2004  2005 
			  Trade  Type  Tonnes  000  Tonnes  000  Tonnes  000 
			 Exports Liquid Milk 198,464 48,130 258,101 58,404 499,481 100,479 
			  Milk Powder 172,745 212,035 185,647 219,429 99,828 114,924 
			 Imports Liquid Milk 37,755 13,641 56,170 13,886 48,116 16,313 
			  Milk Powder 45,319 44,975 67,898 52,170 76,897 65,184 
			  Source: H M Revenue and Customs Data prepared by Trade statistics, Agricultural Statistics and Analysis Division, DEFRA 2005 data is subject to amendments

Milk

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the liquid whole milk equivalent volume of  (a) imports and  (b) exports of milk-based products in each of the last three years.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 4 July 2006
	It is not possible to provide overseas trade estimates for the different milk products in liquid milk equivalent. It is a complex calculation which can lead to double counting as different components of liquid milk can be used to manufacture different products. The following table shows the UK trade in milk products in tonnage and value for 2003 to 2005.
	
		
			2003  2004  2005 
			  Trade  Description  Tonnes  000  Tonnes  000  Tonnes  000 
			 Imports Cheese 315,622 743,898 334,654 810,598 352,411 850,668 
			  Yoghurt 193,255 137,888 181,110 139,889 154,200 126,651 
			  Butter 118,387 281,102 113,694 278,869 128,620 309,407 
			  Buttermilk 56,602 48,609 87,409 68,181 111,127 96,253 
			  Ice cream 76,779 129,736 89,304 142,482 82,317 127,658 
			  Condensed milk 19,628 17,770 25,134 22,913 32,911 33,221 
			  Whey 26,827 18,715 25,029 16,071 22,303 17,293 
			  Other 1,334 1,716 1,707 2,146 2,079 3,391 
			  Imports total 808,435 1,379,434 858,043 1,481,149 885,968 1,564,543 
			 
			 Exports Cheese 89,795 179,415 93,286 201,560 96,073 219,079 
			  Whey 42,647 12,140 56,167 16,812 75,416 27,287 
			  Ice cream 40,847 47,680 53,219 50,464 50,515 46,763 
			  Butter 44,366 74,952 34,793 59,235 45,147 73,216 
			  Yoghurt 9,755 14,831 12,033 21,359 22,317 24,457 
			  Buttermilk 11,659 6,719 13,056 5,166 20,456 6,328 
			  Condensed milk 20,471 15,046 17,767 10,756 3,726 6,470 
			  Other 834 918 11,221 24,456 162 689 
			  Exports total 260,374 351,701 291,542 389,807 313,813 404,289 
			  Source: H M Revenue and Customs Data prepared by Trade statistics, Agricultural Statistics and Analysis Division, DEFRA 2005 data is subject to amendments

Milk

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the sustainability for dairy farmers of the price paid to them for milk.

Barry Gardiner: Price negotiations between producers and processors, are a private commercial matter in which Government cannot get involved provided competition rules are respected.
	Dairy farmers are currently facing a number of challenges, including farmgate prices. In line with the 'Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food', the Government are working alongside the industry to facilitate and support its future development. For example, the Dairy Supply Chain Forum is providing information to help the dairy industry make informed decisions about its future in a world with much freer trade and lower prices

Milk

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average price per litre paid to  (a) farmers,  (b) purchasers and  (c) supermarkets for milk was in each month in each year since 1997.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 4 July 2006
	The information requested is as follows.
	 (a) The table shows monthly weighted average farm gate milk prices in pence per litre for the United Kingdom.
	The average prices are calculated from monthly surveys of milk purchasers conducted in England and Wales by Defra, in Scotland by SEERAD and in Northern Ireland by DARD.
	The farm gate price is the average price received by producers, net of delivery charges. No deduction has been made for superlevy.
	 (b) Prices paid by retailers to milk purchases are not available.
	 (c) Prices are derived from the Expenditure and Food Survey and are for the top five shops (in terms of value of food and drink purchased) as identified in this survey. Prior to 2001-02 this information was collected as part of the National Food Survey and cannot be broken down by retail outlet in this way.
	
		
			   Supermarket price (liquid wholemilk)  Farmgate price (including bonus payments) 
			 2001-02 43.79 19.31 
			 2002-03 44.98 16.86 
			 2003-04 47.37 18.27 
			 2004-05(1) 48.00 18.39 
			 (1) Pence per litre.

National Water Grid

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the water industry regarding proposals for a national water grid; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans he has to develop a national water grid; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 16 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1448W.

National Water Grid

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to consult the water industry on national water plans.

Ian Pearson: A meeting with representatives from across the water industry was held on 1 June, to discuss the provision of water resources over the short, medium and long term.
	All water companies have water resources plans, which reconcile supply and anticipated demand over a 25-year horizon, in their own areas of supply.
	The production and maintenance of water resources management plans will become a statutory requirement under the Water Act 2003. A consultation on the proposed water resources management plans regulations was held between 31 January 2006 and 25 April 2006. The consultees included water companies. The new regime will commence in April 2007.

Palm Oil (Malaysia)

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the environmental impact of palm oil production in Malaysia.

Ian Pearson: Palm oil is used in many processed foods as well as cosmetics and detergents. It can also be used to produce biodiesel transport fuel. For this reason, demand is high and may be contributing to the destruction of virgin forest in Malaysia and Indonesia. Environmental groups have highlighted in particular the impact this may be having on Orang-utan populations.
	The Government are very conscious that increasing consumption of goods and services in the UK can have environmental and social consequences overseas. It is for this reason that DEFRA is commissioning research work on the environmental impacts of internationally sourced commodity production in general.
	Specifically, the Government are also encouraging industry to sign up to the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) which is developing a globally acceptable definition of sustainable palm oil production.

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Private Members' Bills were drafted by his Department in each Session since 1997; and which subsequently received Royal Assent.

Barry Gardiner: Members will consider a range of possible subjects before introducing their Private Members' Bills. Government draftsmen do draft some Bills in advance which are available as one of the options for Members to consider before they make their selection. However, Members may make subsequent amendments or revisions to a Government drafted Bill, or use it as the basis for a Private Members' Bill in the future.
	The information requested is therefore not collected.

Rural Payments Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of whether there was any element of maladministration on the part of the Rural Payments Agency in its failure to pay the bulk of the 2005 single farm payments by the end of March 2006.

Barry Gardiner: The assessment my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Margaret Beckett) made on learning that the bulk of payments would not be made by the end of March was that there was an urgent need to strengthen the leadership of the Rural Payments Agency. The subsequent appointment of Mark Addison and then Tony Cooper as interim chief executive has lead to the position reported by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 22 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1478, that, as of 20 June, some 1.38 billion, representing more than 90 per cent. of the total fund, has now been paid to more than 100,000 applicants.

Rural Payments Agency

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations he has received on the performance of employees of the Rural Payments Agency; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: Most representations have been along the lines of those made by Peter Kendall, President of the National Union of Farmers who, after visiting a Rural Payments Agency office in April, stated that
	From what I have seen, I am convinced that RPA staff are doing their level best to get through mapping tasks and to speed up the validation process.
	Concerns have also been raised about the conduct of a minority of employees at one RPA office, which is being addressed in accordance with the Agency's established procedures.

Shrewsbury Flower Show

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will attend the Shrewsbury Flower Show as a guest of the hon. Member for Shrewsbury.

Barry Gardiner: Unfortunately I am unable to accept the hon. Member's invitation as there are enormous demands on my diary and those of my ministerial colleagues.

Single Farm Payments

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will list the occasions on which he indicated  (a) in public and  (b) to the House that payments under the single payments scheme would be met before the legal deadline.

Barry Gardiner: My right hon. friend the Secretary of State and his predecessor have consistently reported the Rural Payments Agency's targets and forecasts in respect of the timing of payments under the 2005 single payment scheme. Those targets and forecasts have tended to focus on when payments would start and when certain proportions would be completed rather than the position at the end of the regulatory payment window of 30 June. My right hon. friend the Secretary of State's latest report on 22 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1478 indicated that, as of 20 June, some 1.38 billion, representing more than 90 per cent. of the total fund, has now been paid to more than 100,000 applicants. The outstanding payments will be made as soon as possible.

Single Farm Payments

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will seek to extend the single farm payment to those who plant trees on their land as part of an environmental improvement.

Barry Gardiner: While claimants under the Single Payment Scheme are required to maintain their land in good agricultural and environmental condition, the scheme is not designed to fund environmental improvements.
	However, there are other options available to farmers and landlords, such as Environmental Stewardship and the English Woodland Grant Scheme, which do support the environmental improvement of land, including the planting of trees.

Single Farm Payments

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of farmers in  (a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and  (b) England have received their single farm payments.

Barry Gardiner: The total number of single payment scheme customers is approximately 120,000. As at 30 June 2006, 92 per cent. (107,888) customers have received either a full or partial payment.
	Details of payments made in England up to 30 June 2006, including by constituency and county, will be published in due course.

Single Farm Payments

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans to make partial payments under the 2006 single payments scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: As my right hon. friend, the Secretary of State, reported to the House on 22 June 2006,  Official Report, columns 1478-79, the need for the necessary EU legislation to make partial payments has been discussed with the Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, Mrs. Fisher-Boel, and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has been authorised to start work on the necessary systems. However, until the interim RPA chief executive has had an opportunity to make a realistic assessment of the prospects for full payments, we do not want to commit to a particular timetable or specify whether or when partial payments might be necessary.

Tallow

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the likely impact of exempting tallow from the EU definition of biomass.

Ben Bradshaw: The EU has defined biomass as
	the biodegradable fraction of products, wastes and residues from agriculture (including vegetal and animal substances), forestry and related industries, as well as the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste....
	As a form of animal substance, tallow is not exempt from the EU's definition of biomass and we are not aware of proposals to make it so. No such assessment has therefore been made.

Timber Imports

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he has taken to reduce timber imports from Burma.

Barry Gardiner: There are no current economic sanctions or restrictions on sourcing goods from Burma. However, Government policy is to offer no support to British companies who wish to trade with Burma, informing those who enquire of the grave political situation, the regime's atrocious record on human rights, and its economic mismanagement.
	Government are working closely with the NGO Global Witness on how best to protect Burma's forests. Their report, A Choice For China, calls for a ban on illegally logged timber. It does not, however, support a ban on all timber from Burma, bearing in mind the complexity of the problem. Instead, Global Witness has called for timber companies not to import illegally logged timber, and for the Chinese Government to suspend imports of logs and processed timber across the China-Burma border. China has taken action by closing its border crossings to timber trucks from Burma. Burma officials have also been trying to stop the trade in recent months, and the military regime suspended tree-cutting, timber transport and log shipments to China at the end of 2005.
	Government continues to work through a number of channels with China to tackle the problem of illegal logging in the Asian region.

Wheels to Work

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will provide future funding for Wheels to Work schemes in Northamptonshire.

Barry Gardiner: Responsibility for delivering the Countryside Agency's rural economic and social regeneration policies, including transport, now lies with the regional development agencies (RDAs) who will determine where and on what it is appropriate to spend funds.
	East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) has funded two Wheels to Work schemes in Northamptonshire using the funds that were transferred to EMDA from the Countryside Agency. 248,990 of EMDA funding has been allocated over three years (2005-08).
	As well as support from the RDAs, 'Wheels to Work or Learning' schemes receive funding from local Jobcentre Plus and Connexions offices, Learning and Skills Councils and from local transport authorities. The major source of transport funding in rural areas is local authorities.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Ex-miners (Compensation)

Jeff Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in establishing a minimum compensation payment scheme for ex-miners suffering from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department supports the minimum payment proposal in principle and continues to work with the claimants' solicitors group to conclude matters. Discussions are nearing resolution and I hope the issues that remain are now resolved quickly enabling final agreement, including approval from solicitors, to be achieved.

Nuclear Power

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is on nuclear power.

Malcolm Wicks: The Energy Review, launched by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in November 2005, is considering how to secure clean and affordable energy for the long term. It is exploring aspects of energy supply and demand, focusing on policy measures beyond 2010 including an assessment of the possible future role of civil nuclear and other generating technologies.
	The Government will publish their proposals shortly.

British Firms (Export Markets)

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to encourage British firms to develop export markets.

Ian McCartney: In a fast moving world the UK needs to be in a position to meet the challenges of globalisation. UK Trade and Investment is addressing this issue by helping British business to respond better to rapid, turbulent economic and social change. It is developing a new programme of support for companies trading internationally in emerging markets such as India and China as well as an increased focus on helping knowledge-intensive and innovative businesses.
	UK Trade and Investment has been developing a new five-year strategy outlining how in the future it will undertake this vital role. The proposed launch date for the strategy is 20 July and I will keep the House informed.

Renewable Energy

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to promote renewable energy.

Malcolm Wicks: The Renewables Obligation is the Government's key mechanism for encouraging renewable generation. This is supported by around 500 million of spending between 2002 and 2008 in the form of R and D and capital grants on emerging low carbon and renewable technologies.

Rural Post Offices

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the future of the rural network.

Margaret Hodge: My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for the Royal Mail and Post Office (Jim Fitzpatrick), has had a number of discussions with ministerial colleagues in key Government Departments about the future of the Post Office network.

Departmental Emissions

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent estimate he has made of the carbon emissions of his Department; what commitment he has made to reducing such emissions; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The DTI is committed to the targets for energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions as set out in the Framework for Sustainable Development in Government. During the period 1990-2000 to 2004-05 the DTI HQ and its Agencies have achieved a reduction in carbon emissions from 5.2 to 4.4 (000 tC).
	Over the past two years the Department has reduced the size of its London HQ estate by over 30 per cent. with a corresponding reduction in all the associated environmental impacts. This has been achieved by making more efficient use of its existing accommodation and the adoption of flexible desking on the basis of eight workstations for every 10 staff. Other carbon reduction initiatives include the purchase of nearly a third of its electricity from renewable sources between 1999-2000 and 2004-05.

Multinational Enterprises

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many meetings have been convened between complainants and companies by the UK National Contact Point under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises since the Guidelines were implemented by the Government;
	(2)  what the criteria are by which the UK National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises decides to include specific instance cases in the official OECD table of specific instances;
	(3)  what the criteria are by which the UK National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises decides to share relevant information with the complainant during the course of the specific instance procedure;
	(4)  to what extent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines on Multinational Enterprise cover the behaviour of UK companies in dealing with their suppliers; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  when he will implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1457;
	(6)  if he will assess the extent to which his Department has implemented the recommendations made in the report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; and if he will make a statement;
	(7)  in what ways the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises govern the operations of multinational companies in states where the national government is considered by the UK Government to be perpetrating humans rights abuses.
	(8)  how many complaints the national contact point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises has received under the specific instance mechanism relating to activities of UK companies in  (a) Zimbabwe and  (b) Nigeria in each of the last five years; and how many have been resolved;
	(9)  what the average time taken to conclude the specific instance procedure for complaints under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by the nation contact point located within his Department has been in each year since they were introduced;
	(10)  how he will ensure that complainants based in non-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries are able to use the specific instance procedure under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises in relation to UK companies.

Ian McCartney: Governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises encourage enterprises operating in or from their territories to observe the Guidelines wherever they operate. Chapter IIGeneral Policies states that enterprises should
	respect the human rights of those affected by their activities consistent with the host government's international obligations and commitments.
	Chapter IIGeneral Policies also states that enterprises should
	encourage, where practicable, business partners, including suppliers and subcontractors, to apply principles of corporate conduct compatible with the Guidelines.
	As asserted m the September 2005 stakeholder consultation document on the UK national contact point's (NCP) promotion and implementation of the Guidelines, the NCP will follow its procedures where relevant and practicable if issues arise in non-adhering countries. Where information is not otherwise available, it may be able to obtain this through UK overseas posts. Where parties are unable to make their representations in the UK, it may undertake field visits, for which terms of reference will be established in advance.
	The NCP has received no complaints relating to implementation of the Guidelines in specific instances by UK companies in Zimbabwe or Nigeria.
	The NCP reports details of all complaints that it has decided justify consideration as a specific instance for inclusion in the OECD's annual report on the Guidelines.
	Details of the number of meetings convened by the NCP between parties to a specific instance are not held centrally.
	The procedural guidance that accompanies the Guidelines specifically provides that
	information and views provided during the proceedings by another party involved will remain confidential, unless that other party agrees to their disclosure.
	Accordingly, as asserted in the stakeholder consultation document, in the interests of transparency, the NCP will make available all documentation received from a party to other parties except in accordance with the exemptions provided for under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
	Details of the time taken to conclude specific instances by the NCP since it was set up following the decision of the OECD Council in June 2000 are as follows:
	
		
			  Company  Complainant  Filed  Concluded 
			 National Grid Transco Citizens for a Better Environment July 2003 July 2005 
			 De Beers n/a October 2003 May 2004 
			 Avient n/a October 2003 September 2004 
			 Oryx Natural Resources Rights and Accountability in Development October 2003 June 2005 
		
	
	Other specific instances have been dropped by the complainant or are ongoing.
	The handling of UK companies listed in the final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of DR Congo referred to in Security Council Resolution 1457 as unresolved cases and referred to the NCP for investigation and updating was set out in the July 2005 Government response to a February 2005 report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region (APPG) report.
	I have arranged for copies of the Government response to the APPG report and the stakeholder consultation document on the NCP's promotion and implementation of the Guidelines to be placed in the Libraries of the House. The Government will shortly publish its response to the stakeholder consultation.

Social Enterprises

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what sources of publicly-funded financial support are available for new social enterprises.

Edward Miliband: I have been asked to reply.
	There are many sources of publicly-funded financial support available to new social enterprises.
	The Futurebuilders Fund exists to develop the capacity of the voluntary and community sector, including social enterprises, to deliver public services in England.
	There is also the Adventure Capital Fund which aims to strengthen local communities by investing in organisations that work in, and for, those communities, helping them to thrive through enterprise.
	Other sources include Unlimited (Unltd), funded through a Millennium Award endowment, with the objective of supporting and developing the role of social entrepreneurs as a force for positive change in the UK. The Big Lottery Fund is also open to applications from social enterprises.
	Some Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) are another source of finance, providing loans at commercial rates to social enterprises. There may also be additional regional or local funds available. The local Business Link would be best placed to advise on what support exists locally.

Sustainable Energy

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of grants available to home owners for solar heating; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Solar water heating for home owners have been supported as part of the Clear Skies programme, which had a 13.25 million budget over three years beginning January 2003. To date over 5,500 household installations of solar water heating have been completed. We are continuing to support solar water heating, along with other microgeneration technologies, through the Low Carbon Buildings programme with a 80 million budget over the next three years.
	Since 2003, we have seen the installer base grow from approximately 80 to over 300 companies. Solar water heating is now a proven and commercial technology and we hope to see payback times reduce as economies of scale emerge in the supply chain, providing further benefits to householders. We also believe the Low Carbon Buildings programme will build on the achievements of the last three years and make a contribution to helping the industry move to a more sustainable market.

World Trade Organisation

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government are taking to encourage progress within the World Trade Organisation for a new trade agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The Government remain fully committed to securing an ambitious, pro-development outcome to the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry was in Geneva last week to emphasise our commitment to the DDA in meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner, and counterparts in other EU member states. He and I continue to discuss the DDA with the Trade Ministers of other WTO member countries. Other members of the Government have also been in contact with their opposite numbers. We also remain in regular contact with business and civil society.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Official Car

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the make, age and model of his official car are.

John Prescott: My official car is a Jaguar XJ, capable of running a 5 per cent. biodiesel blend, provided by the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA). In accordance with its established practice, the GCDA replaces its cars every three years. My current car is less than 12 months old.
	All travel is carried out in accordance with the guidance Travel by Ministers.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

American Embassy

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions she has had with the City of Westminster about planning permission for the security barriers outside the American embassy.

Yvette Cooper: There were brief contacts at official level in April 2003 to obtain some background information about the pre-application discussions that were then taking place between Westminster city council and the US embassy. There have been no contacts since.

Brownfield Development

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 20 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1744, on brownfield development, if she will break down the south east region figures for 2004 by local authority area.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 27 June 2006
	The information available is from Land Use Change Statistics, shown in the following tables. The tables show figures for 2004 and the average for 2001 to 2004 for each local authority in the south east. Single year figures at local authority level are not representative due to small sample sizes and are therefore subject to fluctuation, so the average over the period 2001 to 2004 is a better representation than the figure for a single year.
	The figures provided in the previous answer included conversions, which are only available at a regional level. The figures in this answer therefore exclude conversions, and as a result the regional total shown will be different.
	The tables also include figures for 1989 to 1992. Before 1989 the data was based on smaller samples and so is not comparable.
	
		
			  New dwellings on previously-developed land: South East 
			   2004 
			   New dwellings on previously-developed land, excluding conversions, as a proportion of all new dwellings  New dwellings on NOT previously-developed land, as a proportion of all new dwellings (greenfield)  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all on previously developed land  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all new dwellings 
			 Bracknell Forest 98 2 18 18 
			 West Berkshire 64 36 11 7 
			 Reading 100 0 45 45 
			 Slough 60 40 32 19 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 97 3 37 36 
			 Wokingham 41 59 72 29 
			 Aylesbury Vale 50 50 74 37 
			 South Bucks 100 0 100 100 
			 Chiltern 99 1 41 41 
			 Wycombe 93 7 66 61 
			 Milton Keynes 12 88 12 1 
			 Eastbourne 40 60 41 16 
			 Hastings 28 72 8 2 
			 Lewes 71 29 34 24 
			 Rother 86 14 45 39 
			 Wealden 81 19 55 44 
			 Brighton and Hove 100 0 24 24 
			 Basingstoke and Deane 33 67 72 24 
			 East Hampshire 80 20 55 44 
			 Eastleigh 87 13 43 37 
			 Fareham 95 5 62 59 
			 Gosport 60 40 18 11 
			 Hart 39 61 52 20 
			 Havant 98 2 23 22 
			 New Forest 87 13 73 63 
			 Rushmoor 92 8 25 23 
			 Test Valley 83 17 18 15 
			 Winchester 74 26 58 43 
			 Portsmouth 91 9 13 11 
			 Southampton 99 1 25 25 
			 Isle of Wight 79 21 47 37 
			 Ashford 28 72 26 7 
			 Canterbury 39 61 19 8 
			 Dartford 73 27 6 4 
			 Dover 83 17 7 6 
			 Gravesham 92 8 5 5 
			 Maidstone 80 20 22 17 
			 Sevenoaks 88 12 44 39 
			 Shepway 79 21 13 10 
			 Swale 46 54 31 14 
			 Thanet 91 9 33 30 
			 Tonbridge and Malling 81 19 18 14 
			 Tunbridge Wells 90 10 52 47 
			 Medway 91 9 22 20 
			 Cherwell 42 58 48 20 
			 Oxford 50 50 11 6 
			 South Oxfordshire 94 6 72 68 
			 Vale of White Horse 78 22 12 9 
			 West Oxfordshire 21 79 30 6 
			 Elmbridge 98 2 73 71 
			 Epsom and Ewell 100 0 10 10 
			 Guildford 100 0 26 26 
			 Mole Valley 75 25 35 26 
			 Reigate and Banstead 99 1 19 19 
			 Runnymede 87 13 53 46 
			 Spelthorne 100 0 29 29 
			 Surrey Heath 99 1 90 89 
			 Tandridge 97 3 70 68 
			 Waverley 100 0 47 47 
			 Woking 100 0 18 18 
			 Adur 99 1 1 1 
			 Arun 86 14 17 14 
			 Chichester 82 18 54 44 
			 Crawley 100 0   
			 Horsham 99 1 27 27 
			 Mid Sussex 53 47 25 13 
			 Worthing 63 37 30 19 
			 Total south east 72 28 36 26 
		
	
	
		
			   Average 2001 to 2004 
			   New dwellings on previously-developed land, excluding conversions, as a proportion of all new dwellings  New dwellings on NOT previously-developed land, as a proportion of all new dwellings (greenfield)  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all on previously developed land  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all new dwellings 
			 Bracknell Forest 69 31 56 39 
			 West Berkshire 69 31 14 10 
			 Reading 97 3 20 19 
			 Slough 76 24 20 15 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 87 13 62 54 
			 Wokingham 71 29 66 47 
			 Aylesbury Vale 45 55 42 19 
			 South Bucks 86 14 53 45 
			 Chiltern 94 6 51 48 
			 Wycombe 94 6 28 26 
			 Milton Keynes 13 87 15 2 
			 Eastbourne 30 70 32 10 
			 Hastings 45 55 13 6 
			 Lewes 57 43 25 14 
			 Rother 75 25 46 35 
			 Wealden 83 17 67 55 
			 Brighton and Hove 93 7 25 23 
			 Basingstoke and Deane 40 60 86 34 
			 East Hampshire 70 30 45 32 
			 Eastleigh 81 19 39 31 
			 Fareham 77 23 65 50 
			 Gosport 41 59 14 6 
			 Hart 36 64 53 19 
			 Havant 79 21 42 33 
			 New Forest 69 31 61 42 
			 Rushmoor 91 9 28 25 
			 Test Valley 53 47 36 19 
			 Winchester 69 31 40 28 
			 Portsmouth 94 6 16 15 
			 Southampton 90 10 28 25 
			 Isle of Wight 64 36 38 25 
			 Ashford 33 67 16 5 
			 Canterbury 61 39 18 11 
			 Dartford 78 22 7 5 
			 Dover 80 20 35 28 
			 Gravesham 78 22 11 9 
			 Maidstone 81 19 10 8 
			 Sevenoaks 85 15 68 58 
			 Shepway 55 45 26 14 
			 Swale 45 55 20 9 
			 Thanet 84 16 27 23 
			 Tonbridge and Malling 68 32 14 10 
			 Tunbridge Wells 91 9 45 41 
			 Medway 84 16 29 24 
			 Cherwell 37 63 27 10 
			 Oxford 81 19 14 11 
			 South Oxfordshire 89 11 31 28 
			 Vale of White Horse 70 30 18 12 
			 West Oxfordshire 41 59 26 11 
			 Elmbridge 98 2 62 60 
			 Epsom and Ewell 99 1 29 29 
			 Guildford 94 6 29 27 
			 Mole Valley 84 16 54 45 
			 Reigate and Banstead 89 11 26 23 
			 Runnymede 78 22 67 52 
			 Spelthorne 98 2 32 31 
			 Surrey Heath 96 4 62 59 
			 Tandridge 92 8 34 31 
			 Waverley 92 8 48 44 
			 Woking 98 2 24 24 
			 Adur 96 4 32 31 
			 Arun 61 39 27 17 
			 Chichester 62 38 36 22 
			 Crawley 92 8 52 48 
			 Horsham 66 34 27 18 
			 Mid Sussex 72 28 28 21 
			 Worthing 92 8 42 39 
			 Total south east 67 33 33 22 
		
	
	
		
			   1992 
			   New dwellings on previously-developed land, excluding conversions, as a proportion of all new dwellings  New dwellings on NOT previously-developed land, as a proportion of all new dwellings (greenfield)  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all on previously developed land  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all new dwellings 
			 Bracknell Forest 10 90 47 5 
			 West Berkshire 52 48 61 32 
			 Reading 77 23 19 15 
			 Slough 75 25 56 42 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 69 31 48 33 
			 Wokingham 73 27 30 22 
			 Aylesbury Vale 41 59 48 20 
			 South Bucks 57 43 48 27 
			 Chiltern 55 45 65 36 
			 Wycombe 70 30 25 17 
			 Milton Keynes 0 100 14 0 
			 Eastbourne 19 81 55 11 
			 Hastings 37 63 9 3 
			 Lewes 93 7 38 35 
			 Rother 54 46 80 43 
			 Wealden 76 24 28 21 
			 Brighton and Hove 67 33 32 21 
			 Basingstoke and Deane 41 59 44 18 
			 East Hampshire 56 44 61 34 
			 Eastleigh 47 53 50 23 
			 Fareham 50 50 74 37 
			 Gosport 100 0 26 26 
			 Hart 29 71 50 15 
			 Havant 79 21 46 37 
			 New Forest 46 54 40 19 
			 Rushmoor 75 25 33 25 
			 Test Valley 38 62 51 19 
			 Winchester 42 58 29 12 
			 Portsmouth 90 10 40 36 
			 Southampton 84 16 39 33 
			 Isle of Wight 87 13 48 42 
			 Ashford 52 48 55 28 
			 Canterbury 54 46 56 30 
			 Dartford 97 3 27 26 
			 Dover 78 22 75 58 
			 Gravesham 87 13 52 45 
			 Maidstone 47 53 78 37 
			 Sevenoaks 90 10 83 74 
			 Shepway 27 73 29 8 
			 Swale 70 30 34 24 
			 Thanet 76 24 53 40 
			 Tonbridge and Mailing 64 36 62 40 
			 Tunbridge Wells 88 12 70 61 
			 Medway 61 39 59 36 
			 Cherwell 8 92 46 4 
			 Oxford 21 79 98 21 
			 South Oxfordshire 25 75 34 8 
			 Vale of White Horse 14 86 75 10 
			 West Oxfordshire 27 73 71 19 
			 Elm bridge 77 23 49 38 
			 Epsom and Ewell 99 1 82 81 
			 Guildford 64 36 96 61 
			 Mole Valley 95 5 27 26 
			 Reigate and Banstead 73 27 24 18 
			 Runnymede 94 6 41 38 
			 Spelthorne 88 12 63 56 
			 Surrey Heath 86 14 54 46 
			 Tandridge 90 10 18 17 
			 Waverley 79 21 65 51 
			 Woking 86 14 33 29 
			 Adur 46 54 100 46 
			 Arun 67 33 38 25 
			 Chichester 76 24 54 41 
			 Crawley 7 93   
			 Horsham 29 71 63 18 
			 Mid Sussex 38 62 74 28 
			 Worthing 49 51 87 43 
			 Total South East 51 49 47 24 
		
	
	
		
			   Average 1989 to 1992 
			   New dwellings on previously-developed land, excluding conversions, as a proportion of all new dwellings  New dwellings on NOT previously-developed land, as a proportion of all new dwellings (greenfield)  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all on previously developed land  New dwellings on previously residential land as a proportion of all new dwellings 
			 Bracknell Forest 14 86 55 8 
			 West Berkshire 60 40 49 30 
			 Reading 88 12 23 20 
			 Slough 64 36 32 21 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 85 15 56 47 
			 Wokingham 56 44 33 19 
			 Aylesbury Vale 29 71 46 13 
			 South Bucks 74 26 54 40 
			 Chiltern 76 24 71 54 
			 Wycombe 76 24 35 26 
			 Milton Keynes 4 96 50 2 
			 Eastbourne 42 58 49 21 
			 Hastings 43 57 32 14 
			 Lewes 56 44 42 24 
			 Rother 68 32 51 35 
			 Wealden 57 43 48 28 
			 Brighton and Hove 81 19 65 53 
			 Basingstoke and Deane 46 54 45 21 
			 East Hampshire 59 41 69 41 
			 Eastleigh 26 74 57 15 
			 Fareham 42 58 58 25 
			 Gosport 80 20 45 36 
			 Hart 43 57 62 27 
			 Havant 74 26 80 59 
			 New Forest 48 52 56 27 
			 Rushmoor 80 20 36 29 
			 Test Valley 40 60 47 19 
			 Winchester 49 51 40 20 
			 Portsmouth 88 12 35 31 
			 Southampton 80 20 46 36 
			 Isle of Wight 68 32 52 36 
			 Ashford 41 59 65 27 
			 Canterbury 65 35 55 36 
			 Dartford 88 12 26 23 
			 Dover 63 37 40 25 
			 Gravesham 71 29 35 25 
			 Maidstone 53 47 43 23 
			 Sevenoaks 75 25 67 50 
			 Shepway 53 47 33 17 
			 Swale 73 27 28 20 
			 Thanet 72 28 29 21 
			 Tonbridge and Mailing 79 21 45 36 
			 Tunbridge Wells 69 31 52 36 
			 Medway 66 34 47 31 
			 Cherwell 19 81 47 9 
			 Oxford 48 52 35 17 
			 South Oxfordshire 36 64 53 19 
			 Vale of White Horse 30 70 48 14 
			 West Oxfordshire 26 74 51 13 
			 Elm bridge 75 25 55 41 
			 Epsom and Ewell 77 23 64 49 
			 Guildford 62 38 52 32 
			 Mole Valley 76 24 60 46 
			 Reigate and Banstead 78 22 43 33 
			 Runnymede 87 13 66 57 
			 Spelthorne 82 18 60 50 
			 Surrey Heath 53 47 85 45 
			 Tandridge 90 10 36 33 
			 Waverley 79 21 66 52 
			 Woking 86 14 59 51 
			 Adur 72 28 66 47 
			 Arun 63 37 60 38 
			 Chichester 70 30 54 38 
			 Crawley 17 83 32 6 
			 Horsham 37 63 61 22 
			 Mid Sussex 48 52 61 29 
			 Worthing 63 37 69 44 
			 Total South East 54 46 49 26 
			  Note: Some local authority figures are incomplete, therefore total includes estimates for missing or partial local authority returns. For this reason the total may not equal the sum of the districts.

Building Standards

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations she has received from professional bodies regarding design quality and energy efficiency in building standards; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: On design quality standards Government have an ongoing dialogue with a range of professional bodies, either directly or through the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. Recently, we have not received any specific representations from specific professional bodies regarding design quality. The most recent was the March 2005 publication of the Royal Institute of British Architects' 'Manifesto for Architecture' (http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/News/Policy_4440.html). However, this was not specific to Government, but aimed at a wider audience.
	On energy efficiency standards we are currently engaging a range of stakeholders in discussions around further reform of building regulations. During the period 2003 to 2005 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister consulted widely on proposals for raising energy efficiency standards in line with commitments made in the Energy White Paper. These consultations supported improvements in energy efficiency standards through an amendment of the Building Regulations that came into effect on 6 April 2006. I am aware that construction industry professional bodies have been active in disseminating the changes introduced.

Commission for Equality and Human Rights

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to include representatives of carers on the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

Meg Munn: The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be an independent body, with a minimum of 10 and up to 15 Commissioners. The Commissioners will have to have a demonstrable commitment to, and understanding of, the wider context of the equalities, human rights and good relations agendas. They will need to deal authoritatively with issues of equality that affect different people in different ways, depending on their circumstances.

Correspondence

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reasons the hon. Member for North Down has not received a response to her letter dated 10 February in relation to the Firefighters Pension Scheme.

Phil Woolas: The hon. Member's letter was transferred to the Northern Ireland Office as it concerned matters which were for that Department. Officials of the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to the hon. Member on 28 February advising her of the transfer.

Departmental Staff

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) of 20 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1746W, on departmental staff, if she will place in the Library a copy of her Department's Training Framework Agreement; and what the names are of the suppliers covered by the agreement.

Angela Smith: A copy of the Department's Training Framework Agreement will be placed in the Library. The suppliers covered by the agreement are:
	AKT Productions Ltd.
	Alpha Consolidated Training Ltd.
	ASK Europe plc
	Atkins Centre for Corporate Learning
	Basis
	Bray Leino
	Capita Learning and Development
	National School of Government (formerly CMPS)
	Communicaid Public Sector
	Deloitte
	Eliesha Training,
	Epic Group (including The Development Partnership)
	The Faraday Partnership
	Hemsley Fraser
	LMDLearning Materials Design
	Pearn Kandola
	Penna Consulting
	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Departmental Staff

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) of 20 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1746W, on departmental staff, if she will place in the Library print outs from her departmental intranet of all the Skills for Life pages and links.

Angela Smith: Print outs from the pages of the Department for Communities and Local Government intranet and relevant links regarding Skills for Life will be placed in the Library.

Design Quality

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will take steps to make Government funding conditional on good design quality.

Yvette Cooper: The Government believe good design is essential in creating and maintaining quality places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. Through a range of different interventions we aim to create better, more liveable places through promoting more informed attention to design, the quality of which makes the difference in creating places that will stand the test of time.
	The Office of Government Commerce is an independent office of the Treasury which works with public sector organisations to help them improve their efficiency, gain better value for money from their commercial activities and deliver improved success from programmes and projects. Ministers have agreed minimum procurement standards (www.ogc.gov.uk/embedded_object.asp?docid=l004956) that are mandatory across central Government. These standards include that all clients should aim to deliver design excellence in accordance with the principles set out in 'Achieving Excellence 9: Design Quality (OGC, 2004)'.
	www.ogc.gov.uk/sdtoolkit/reference/ogc_library/achievingexcellence/ae9.pdf
	The Department for Communities and Local Government is also promoting and delivering good design through three main channels:
	Developing policy and raising design standards of buildings and places. DCLG non-departmental public bodies, English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation, have both set out design quality standards that are requirements for projects that they fund.
	Encouraging innovation in buildings and the management of the public realm, through programmes and projects such as the Millennium Communities and the 60,000 home competition that are setting new benchmarks.
	Promoting and championing understanding and take-up of good practice, sharing experience and improving design skills, though funding to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the Academy for Sustainable Communities to support work on the ground.

Draft Legislation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what draft Bills have been produced by her Department since October 2005; how many  (a) were examined and  (b) are planned to be examined by (i) a Departmental Select Committee and (ii) a Joint Committee; what draft Bills are still to be produced by her Department; when each is expected to be published; how many clauses each has; and if she will make a statement.

Angela Smith: No draft Bills have been produced by this Department since October 2005.
	Announcements on future legislation and future draft legislation which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny will be indicated in the Queen's Speech.

Former Council Properties

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many properties formerly owned by local authorities are privately let; and what information she has collated on the  (a) rents charged for such properties and  (b) rent levels for similar council-owned properties in 2005-06.

Yvette Cooper: No information is available on the number of properties formerly owned by local authorities that are privately let.

Green Infrastructure

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what definition she uses of green infrastructure.

Yvette Cooper: The Department for Communities and Local Government takes a broad definition of green infrastructure and through the Growth Area Fund supports improvements to parks and open spaces, improved access between the urban and rural fringe, and habitat creation and protection projects.
	The Government believe that communities are more successful and enjoy a better and healthier quality of life if they have easy access to an attractive, well designed and managed green environment which is rich in bio-diversity.
	The Department for Communities and Local Government is investing 38 million to support the delivery of green infrastructure projects, meeting our 10 per cent. funding commitment set out in the Government's response to the Barker Report. Examples include the Forest of Marston Vale; the Nene Valley Regional Park; Green Park South, Peterborough; the Wicken Fen Vision; Singleton Environment Centre, Ashford; and Bedford River Valley Park.
	In 2004, the Government published Greening the Gateway, a greenspace strategy for the Thames Gateway, which set a strategic context for the delivery of regional and local environmental initiatives. The Department for Communities and Local Government has invested over 26 million in green infrastructure projects in the Thames Gateway, and has supported the development of 'Green Grids' in Kent Thameside, East London and South Essex as examples of best practice in providing an accessible interlinking chain of local green space that encourages travel without cars.

Housing, Tamworth

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans her Department has to improve the provision of council housing for those with serious disabilities in  (a) Tamworth and  (b) the West Midlands region.

Yvette Cooper: Responsibility for planning the provision of housing for those with serious disabilities lies with local housing authorities who are responsible for assessing housing needs within their areas and devising strategies to address them. If an authority identifies the need for more specially appointed social housing for people with disabilities it may decide to modify council houses or to work with Housing Associations on modification or new development. Local housing authorities also have a mandatory duty to fund adaptations to council housing for eligible disabled tenants under the disabled facilities grant legislation contained in the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.

Hydro-Electricity

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will establish an appeal mechanism for when the Environment Agency decides not carry out an environmental assessment of a planning application for a hydro-electric generating plant; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The decision on whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for a proposed project rests with the appropriate competent authority. In the case of projects which fall within the planning system, the competent authority is normally the local planning authority. The Environment Agency's role for EIA purposes is as a statutory consultation body. There is a statutory appeal mechanism for an applicant for planning permission who disagrees with a planning authority's decision to require EIA. Action against an authority's decision not to require EIA, however, could only be pursued by means of an application for judicial review.

Ministers' Offices

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) of 19 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1599W, on Ministers' offices, which Ministers who previously had offices in 26 Whitehall when part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister moved to Eland House following the creation of the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Angela Smith: My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning (Yvette Cooper) and my noble Friend Baroness Andrews moved from 26 Whitehall to offices in Eland House following the creation of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Ministers' Offices

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) of 19 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1599W, on Ministers' offices, who occupies the offices in 26 Whitehall which were previously occupied by Ministers within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Angela Smith: The offices in 26 Whitehall previously occupied by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning (Yvette Cooper) and my noble Friend Baroness Andrews are currently empty pending decisions on reassignment.

New Housing (Flood Risk)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many houses indicated in plans scheduled for completion by 2020 in London and the South East are to be built in areas determined by the Environment Agency as liable for flooding, broken down by site.

Yvette Cooper: This information is not held centrally by the Department for Communities and Local Government but may be available from local planning authorities in London and the South East, as the bodies responsible for preparing development plans.
	Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 (PPG25) Development and Flood Risk requires local planning authorities to apply a sequential test to land at risk of flooding. The test has regard to the area liable to flooding, the probability of it occurring and the extent and standard of flood defences among other factors.
	For London, the risk of flooding was considered in the Greater London Authority's London Housing Capacity study 2004, which assessed housing potential to 2027. Sites deemed unsuitable on flood risk grounds were excluded and many other sites with lower risk of flooding had their potential housing capacities reduced.
	The Regional Monitoring Report 2005 produced by the South East England Regional Assembly indicates that the number of existing properties at risk from flooding in the South East is 235,000.

Permitted Development Rights

David Davies: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 20 December 2005,  Official Report, column 2832W, on permitted development rights, whether he plans to hold a consultation on the Lichfield and Partners report on the Operation of Permitted Development Rights (2003); whether the Department plans to comment formally on the report; to what purpose the report  (a) has been and  (b) is planned to be put; and what the cost of the Lichfield and Partners review and report was.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	There are no plans to hold a consultation on the report by Lichfield and Partners or to comment formally on it. Changes to the operation of permitted development rights will continue to be taken forward on a topic-related basis and consulted on as such. For example, we announced on 4 July that we will draw up proposals to revise the scope of householder permitted development rights. The report will continue to inform such consideration. The cost of the report was 102,725.

Planning Permission (Flood Risk)

Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the Government's policy is on the provision of planning permission to create new basement properties.

Yvette Cooper: As basements can provide extra space without additional land take, the Government supports their provision, in appropriate circumstances, as part of new housing or as alterations to existing properties. Whether planning permission is required depends on the circumstances of each particular case. For example, excavation below an existing property to create a basement would require planning permission whereas adapting an existing cellar would not require planning permission if all the works were internal.
	The question of the need for planning permission for their provision in residential properties was one of a number of issues looked at by a group reviewing the subject of householder development consents more widely. The report of that group was published on 4 July 2006 and it recognised that there was concern that the absence of guidance on the planning status of basements discouraged their wider use. We will be undertaking further work on householder permitted development in light of that report with a view to consulting on detailed proposals later this year.

Polytunnels

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she plans to introduce legislation to control the use of polytunnels in  (a) rural areas and  (b) areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Yvette Cooper: The Government have no plans to introduce any new legislation to control the use of polytunnels. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 provides controls on the development and use of land in all areas of the country. Whether the erection or use of any particular polytunnel is deemed to constitute 'development' under the Act will depend on the facts of each case, taking account of such matters as the scale, manner of construction and extent and nature of fixation of the polytunnel. Ultimately, this is a matter for the courts to determine.

Supported Housing Schemes

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps the Government are taking to increase the number of supported housing schemes for people with learning disabilities.

Yvette Cooper: Through the Housing Corporation's Affordable Housing Programme, the Government fund a range of sheltered and supported accommodation accessible by people with learning difficulties, while the Corporation's HomeBuy scheme can help people with disabilities into sustainable home ownership.
	A Government objective, laid out in the White Paper Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century, is to enable people with learning disabilities and their families to have greater choice and control over where, and how they live. Through the Supporting People programme, the Government enable provision of a wide variety of services which help people with learning difficulties to live independently; some of which are sheltered or supported housing schemes, while others are 'floating' schemes which allow people the choice of receiving support in their own home.

Town Centre Redevelopment

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assistance the Government are providing to local councils to redevelop town centres.

Yvette Cooper: Since 1997, the Government have put in place a range of policy initiatives and measures to assist local authorities to deliver an urban renaissance, including the re-development of town and city centres.
	The Urban White Paper Our Towns and Cities: the Future published in 2000 identified a range of measures (policies, programmes and tax incentives) to foster and support an urban regeneration, including city centre renewal.
	Over 2 billion in funds is provided annually to England's nine regional development agencies (RDAs) to promote regional economic growth and urban regeneration, including support for city centre renaissance. English Partnerships (EP), the national regeneration agency, has a direct role in fostering urban renaissance. Together with the RDAs, EP has helped set up 21 urban regeneration companies, in partnership with local authorities, to drive forward regeneration projects many of them targeted on city centre re-development.
	National economic stability has provided a solid foundation for local economic strategies and public-private partnerships which have attracted huge investment into city centre initiatives. Major public investment in civic squares, parks, open spaces, parks and river frontages has also attracted private investors to commit funds to major city centre schemes.
	Through the Government's Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres (March 2005), assistance is given to local authorities and stakeholders on how to plan proactively for the redevelopment of town centres. It advises on how the Government's key objective, to promote the vitality and viability of town centres, should be taken into account in producing statutory development plans, and determining planning applications for town centre uses, such as retail, leisure and office development.
	Also in March 2005, the Government published the How to Manage Town Centres guide, to assist local councils and other stakeholders in applying the powers and tools available for tackling priority issues, particularly those related to making town centres safer and cleaner. The guide includes examples of innovative approaches for using them and examples of good practice, and outlines the importance of pooling and sharing local information, responsive and pro-active local leadership, developing town centre strategies which are linked to local planning, crime and disorder reduction, licensing and transport strategies, and partnership working.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITY

Ministerial Salaries

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality whether she receives a full ministerial salary.

Meg Munn: Yes.

Flexible Working

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what information the Government make available to women on their right to flexible working hours.

Meg Munn: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and the direct.gov website provide guidance for employees (men and women) on the right to request flexible working. The direct.gov website has three interactive tools which help employees make applications to work flexibly. ACAS provide leaflets and also operate a helpline, answering queries from both employees and employers on employment matters including flexible working.

Homophobia (Schools)

Simon Hughes: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government plan to take to tackle homophobia in schools.

Meg Munn: We propose to introduce regulations under the Equality Act 2006 later this year that will make sexual orientation discrimination unlawful in schools. These measures will be backed by guidance for schools on how to tackle such discrimination and will complement existing, and new guidance on tackling homophobic bullying planned for next year.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality when the Government expect to announce the name of the Chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Meg Munn: We hope to announce the Chair of the new Commission in summer this year, with an announcement of Commissioners and Chief Executive to follow in late autumn.

PRIME MINISTER

Special Envoy

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the countries visited by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean since her appointment as his special envoy; and what the  (a) date and  (b) purpose was of each visit.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1614-15W. Baroness Symons has also visited Algeria twice in her capacity as Special Representative for Memoranda of Understanding towards the end of 2005.
	Baroness Symons has now ceased her role as Special Representative for Memoranda of Understanding, and as Representative for the Two Kingdoms Dialogue.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Animal Procedures Committee

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the Animal Procedures Committee have  (a) a background and  (b) expertise in animal welfare; and what the selection criteria are to become a member of the Committee.

Joan Ryan: The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) is an independent body set up under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to advise the Home Secretary and the Department of Health, Social Security and Public Safety Northern Ireland Minister on matters concerned with the 1986 Act and their functions under it.
	Excluding the chairman, there must be a minimum of 12 members, one must be a lawyer and at least two thirds must be medical practitioners, veterinary surgeons or have qualifications or experience in a biological subject. At least half of the members must not have held a licence to carry out procedures on animals within the last six years and animal welfare interests must be adequately represented. The Act places certain restrictions on the balance of interests and competences to be represented and also limits the maximum term of membership to two consecutive terms of four years.
	There are currently 19 members of the Committee (including the chairman). Seven have a background and expertise in animal welfare. However, all members of the committee share a common concern for the welfare of the animals used in scientific procedures, and, under section 20(2) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, in considering any matter must have regard both to the legitimate requirements of science and industry and to the protection of animals against avoidable suffering and unnecessary use.
	All appointments are made jointly with the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland (DHSSPSNI). Members are selected on personal merit, and not as nominees, delegates or representatives of any organisations or pressure groups. The posts are unpaid. Nevertheless, every effort is made to ensure that the Nolan principles are applied and to that end we entrust the management of the process to the Appointments Commission. All appointments to the Animal Procedures Committee are announced publicly.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in Humberside Police Authority area in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Humberside Police Authority area is coterminous with the Humberside Criminal Justice System (CJS) area. A table giving annual data, up to 30 September 2005 (latest available), broken down by CJS area is available on the Crime Reduction website at www.crimereduction.gov.uk.

Bail Hostels

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2006,  Official Report, column 271W, on bail hostels, how many sex offenders were resident at the bail hostel in Wesleyan Road, Peterborough on 31 May 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 4 July 2006
	The number of sex offenders accommodated in any approved premises, (formerly bail and probation hostels) will vary at any one time. Statistical information about the type of offences committed by offenders residing at an approved premises at any one time is not collected centrally.

Crime Statistics (Suffolk)

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who reside in Suffolk were prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year since it was enacted.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information from the Court Proceedings Database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform showing the number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, in the Suffolk police force area from 1992 to 2004 is in the following table Figures for 2005 will be available in the autumn of 2006.
	
		
			  Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts for offences under the  Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, in the Suffolk police force area, 1992 to 2004( 1) 
			  Code  Offence description  Statute  1991  1992  1993  1994  1995  1996  1997 
			 821 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place injuring any person Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(1)  3 2 1  2 3 
			 822 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to enter a non-public place and injure any person Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(3)  1  
			 11112 Breeding or breeding from a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(a) 1 1  
			 11113 Selling, exchanging, offering, advertising or exposing for sale a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(b)
			 11114 Giving or offering to give a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(c)
			 11115 Allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or a lead Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(d)   2 
			 11116 Abandoning, or allowing to stray, a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(e)
			 11117 Possession, without exemption, of a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa or other designated fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(3) 3  2 
			 11118 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, no injury being caused Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(1)  4 1  2 1 2 
			 11119 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to enter a non-public place causing reasonable apprehension of injury to a person Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(3)
			 11120 Failing to give up a dog for destruction or having custody of a dog while disqualified Badgers (further protection) Act 1991 Sec.1. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 4(8). Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Sec.131
		
	
	
		
			  Code  Offence description  Statute  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			 821 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place injuring any person Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(1) 2 1 5 6 3  5 
			 822 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to enter a non-public place and injure any person Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(3)
			 11112 Breeding or breeding from a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(a)
			 11113 Selling, exchanging, offering, advertising or exposing for sale a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(b)
			 11114 Giving or offering to give a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(c)
			 11115 Allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or a lead Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(d)
			 11116 Abandoning, or allowing to stray, a fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(2)(e)
			 11117 Possession, without exemption, of a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa or other designated fighting dog Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 1(3)
			 11118 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, no injury being caused Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(1) 2 3 1  2 3 2 
			 11119 Owner or person in charge allowing dog to enter a non-public place causing reasonable apprehension of injury to a person Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 3(3)
			 11120 Failing to give up a dog for destruction or having custody of a dog while disqualified Badgers (further protection) Act 1991 Sec.1. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Sec 4(8). Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Sec.13   1 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis.  Source: RDS  Office for Criminal Justice Reform.

Criminal Justice and Court Services Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the operation of section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000; and what recent representations he has received about the operation of this  (a) section and  (b) Act.

Vernon Coaker: Section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (CJCS) inserted new provisions in section 38 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). These provisions enable police custody officers to detain a person after charge for the purposes of taking a sample (of urine or other non-intimate sample) to test for the presence of specified Class A drugs, subject to conditions and procedures set out in sections 63B and 63C of PACE .
	The Drugs Act 2005 (section 7 and paragraphs 1-4 of Schedule 1) subsequently amended section 63B and other sections of PACE to allow for the testing of adults for specified Class A drugs on arrest while retaining the powers for testing on charge in the case of adults and the under eighteens (where applicable). Where a person has tested positive under these powers, section 9 of the Drugs Act introduced a new power for the police to require adults to attend an assessment of their drug use or face a criminal sanction.
	This legislation forms a core part of the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) and aims to identify problematic drug misusers at the earliest opportunity of their contact with the criminal justice system and get them into drug treatment and other support. Currently, drug testing operates within the 71 crime partnership areas across England and Wales with high levels of acquisitive crime, the so called 'DIP intensive areas'.
	The volume of tests conducted under this legislation continues to grow. Some 17, 400 adult drug tests were carried out in April 2006, more than three times the number in April 2005.
	The Home Office has received no specific recent representations about the operation of section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 although a number of police forces have made enquiries about introducing drug testing in their areas.

Criminal Records Bureau

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Criminal Records Bureau disclosure applications were received in each of the last 12 months; how many were issued; and what the average length of time taken to issue a disclosure was in each month.

Joan Ryan: The total number of disclosure applications received and disclosures issued by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in the last 12 months is contained in table 1.
	Information on the average length of time taken to process the checks during these periods is not available in the format requested. The CRB operates to a set of a Published Service Standards (PSS) which for the majority of the period was to publish 93 per cent. of Standard Disclosures within two weeks and 90 per cent. of Enhanced Disclosures within four weeks. The monthly performance measured against the PSS is as shown in tables 2 and 3.
	The four week target for Enhanced Disclosures is made up of two distinct parts. The CRB is required to process 90 per cent. of valid Enhanced Disclosure applications to the police within 10 days, with the police forces required to process 95 per cent. of the checks within a further 14 days. The CRB consistently exceeded their target in 2005-06 and, for May 2006, processed 97.4 per cent. of applications to the police within 10 days. The CRB and the police forces are working together to reduce police completion times in line with the overall service standard objectives.
	The CRB recently published its Five-Year Strategy and Business Plan 2006-07 and the PSS for the financial year 2006-07 for Standard Disclosures is 90 per cent. within 10 days and for Enhanced Disclosures 90 per cent. within 28 days. The shortening of the Standard Disclosure PSS is the result of the effectiveness of the CRB's internal processes.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			  Month  Total net receipts  Total disclosures issued 
			  2005   
			 June 236,602 230,251 
			 July 241,901 215,378 
			 August 238,045 220,375 
			 September 242,993 215,695 
			 October 262,796 252,608 
			 November 245,555 272,507 
			 December 198,791 231,659 
			
			  2006   
			 January 209,361 217,764 
			 February 247,591 234,556 
			 March 294,303 277,610 
			 April 207,265 217,764 
			 May 280,171 242,911 
			 Total 2,905,374 2,829,078 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 
			  Standard disclosures  Total  Volume within PSS  PSS target (percentage)  PSS achieved (percentage) 
			  2005 
			 June 27,205 26,851 (1)93.0 98.7 
			 July 25,833 25,601 (1)93.0 99.1 
			 August 23,966 23,942 (1)93.0 99.9 
			 September 25,117 25,092 (1)93.0 99.9 
			 October 27,388 27,306 (1)93.0 99.7 
			 November 26,249 26,092 (1)93.0 99.4 
			 December 23,066 23,043 (1)93.0 99.9 
			  
			  2006 
			 January 23,055 22,963 (1)93.0 99.6 
			 February 28,511 28,454 (1)93.0 99.8 
			 March 36,436 36,363 (1)93.0 99.8 
			 April 24,719 24,645 (2)90.0 98.7 
			 May 34,401 34,310 (2)90.0 97.4 
			  
			 June 2005 to May 2006 325,946 324,661 93.0/90.0 99.3 
			 (1) Percentage in 14 days. (2) Percentage in 10 days. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3 
			  Enhanced disclosures  Total  Volume within PSS  PSS target (percentage in 28 days)  PSS achieved (percentage) 
			  2005 
			 June 203,046 166,092 90.0 81.8 
			 July 189,545 160,734 90.0 84.8 
			 August 196,409 159,877 90.0 81.4 
			 September 190,578 154,559 90.0 81.1 
			 October 225,220 172,969 90.0 76.8 
			 November 246,258 209,566 90.0 85.1 
			 December 208,593 177,095 90.0 84.9 
			  
			  2006 
			 January 194,709 166,476 90.0 85.5 
			 February 206,045 174,314 90.0 84.6 
			 March 241,174 209,821 90.0 87.0 
			 April 193,045 171,038 90.0 88.6 
			 May 208,510 177,448 90.0 85.1 
			  
			 June 2005 to May 2006 2,503,132 2,099,989 90.0 83.9

Identity Checks (Licensed Premises)

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department has issued to police forces and licensees on the removal of means of identity from those seeking entrance to a licensed premises; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: No guidance has been issued on this subject by the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers, or the Security Industry Authority.

IMPACT Programme

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  pursuant to the written statement of 19 April 2006,  Official Report, columns 17-19WS, on the IMPACT programme, how many police forces in England and Wales are using the IMPACT nominal index (INI); how many police officers on average have access to the INI within each child abuse investigation unit; when he expects the INI to be available to all police officers in every force; what further development of the INI is planned; and what assessment he has made of its likely impact on police forces;
	(2)  pursuant to the written statement of 19 April 2006,  Official Report, columns 17-19WS, on the IMPACTS programme, what estimated  (a) funds and  (b) manpower will be required by police forces in England and Wales to implement the IMPACT nominal index in other business areas outside child abuse investigation units;
	(3)  pursuant to the statement on the IMPACT programme issued by his Department on 19 April 2006, which business areas within police forces will receive the IMPACT nominal index (INI) during 2006 in addition to child abuse investigation units.

Tony McNulty: All 43 forces in England and Wales have been using the IMPACT nominal index (INI) since it was deployed in December 2005 to a child abuse investigation unit, with at least two trained users, in each force. The IMPACT programme will complete deployment to force child abuse investigation units by the end of July this year, on the basis of requirements identified by chief constables, which will mean that 850 staff (around a third of all staff in this business area) will be trained in the use of the INI.
	Although the IMPACT nominal index is currently intended to be used primarily for child protection, officers from other business areas may, with the authority of an officer of at least superintendent rank, have searches carried out where necessary for the prevention or detection of serious crime. It is our intention to deploy the INI to other business areas following full deployment to child abuse investigation units but we do not plan to train all officers in the use of the INI or to give all officers direct access to the system; searches can be carried out on their behalf. Which areas should receive the application, and in which order, will be determined in consultation with the police service, informed by the outcome of current trials involving the Thames Valley Force Intelligence Bureau; the Child Exploitation and On-line Protection Centre; the East Midlands Regional Special Operations Unit and the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command. At the conclusion of the trials in August, the IMPACT Programme Board will have a better understanding of the business benefits and resources required to respond to inter-force requests for information following a match on the INI. It is for forces to determine how to manage the resource requirements to implement the new operational capability we are delivering. The INI is being developed to incorporate certain local audit and administration functions. We are currently assessing the impact of INI on forces in terms of the operational benefits delivered by the system and the demands associated with responding to inter-force enquiries. On-site surveys and case reviews are being conducted to identify the type and number of cases where INI-identified data have made a significant contribution to their work. We are also working with forces to identify best practice and potential new applications of the system.

IRA Manchester Bombings

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make arrangements for payments to be made to the victims of the 15 June 1996 IRA Manchester bombings on terms similar to the payments being made to victims of the 7 July London bombings and their families.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The victims of the Manchester bombing and the 7/7 bombings were/are eligible for criminal injuries compensation under the terms of the statutory criminal injuries compensation scheme approved by Parliament which applied at the date their application was/is received. The payments made to both sets of victims, and indeed to all victims of violent crime in Great Britain, are assessed and paid on the basis of the scheme applying when their application is received. No special arrangements or payments under the current scheme are being made for 7/7 victims.
	However, in the immediate aftermath of the 7/7 bombings, the Mayor of London set up the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund in partnership with the British Red Cross. The Government donated 1 million to the fund in July 2005. The Government announced on 8 June 2006 that, in recognition of the exceptional circumstances of the London bombings, it was donating a further 2.5 million to the fund,  Official Report, column 38WS. The trustees of the charity will decide how the extra money will be distributed among victims of the 7/7 bombings in the form of charitable grants.

Knife Amnesty

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many knives have been handed in during the amnesty in  (a) Ribble Valley and  (b) Lancashire; and if he will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: Figures for the number of items handed in during the knife amnesty are being collected at police force level and will be released shortly. 17,715 items were handed in in England and Wales during the first week of the amnesty.
	We worked closely with ACPO to develop the arrangements for the amnesty, which was part of our wider strategy to tackle knife crime. We are also focusing on legislation, enforcement, education and prevention. We have brought forward provisions in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill that will raise the age at which someone can be sold a knife to 18; are introducing a new offence of using someone to mind a weapon; and are giving head teachers powers to search pupils for knives. The Home Secretary announced on 19 June 2006 that he was giving very serious consideration to the suggestion that the maximum sentence for having a knife or blade in a public place should be increased from the current sentence of 2 years.
	Many police forces are undertaking tough enforcement operations, for example, the Metropolitan police's Operation Blunt and the British Transport police's Operation Shield, which uses search equipment to detect those carrying knives and other weapons on our transport network. We are also supporting educational initiatives that demonstrate to young people the dangers of carrying knives, and reinforce the message that carrying a knife can result in it being turned on you.
	Through our small grants programme, the Connected Fund, we are also supporting a wide range of local community projects which work with young people to provide mentoring, training, education and other support.

MI5

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many MI5 files have been destroyed since 1997.

Tony McNulty: I am informed that since 1997 approximately 110,000 files have been destroyed.

MI5

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 June 2006, to Question 68479 on MI5 files, how many of the 325,000 files are personal files.

Tony McNulty: I am informed that of the approximately 325,000 files held by the Security Service at January 2005, approximately 272,000 were personal files.

Miscarriages of Justice (Compensation)

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many awards of compensation have been made to victims of miscarriages of justice under the  (a) statutory and  (b) discretionary scheme in each of the last five years; and how many of these awards were for more than 500,000.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Figures for the number of final awards made over the last five years are set out in the following table. There are two cases in which applicants whose cases have not been completed have received interim payments on account in excess of 500,000. There are seven cases currently with the independent assessor for final assessment in which the applicants are seeking awards in excess of 500,000.
	
		
			  Final awards made under the statutory and discretionary schemes for compensation for wrongful conviction and/or charge. 
			   Number of final awards made  Statutory  Discretionary  Number over 500,000 
			 2001-02 28 15 13 2 
			 2002-03 17 9 8 2 
			 2003-04 27 16 11 0 
			 2004-05 8 5 3 1 
			 2005-06 24 19 5 3

Northern Way

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role his Department plays in the delivery of the Northern Way initiative.

Tony McNulty: The main role the Home Office plays in the Northern Way is tackling crime, drugs and antisocial behaviour which, if left unchecked, have the potential to undermine regeneration and attempts to improve regional economic growth.

Oxycodone

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the effects on  (a) the UK balance of payments,  (b) UK jobs and  (c) the number of traffic movements of moving the production of oxycodone hydrochloride formulations from the United Kingdom to another country in the European Union; and if he will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: No such assessments have been made.

Oxycodone

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many producers and suppliers of oxycodone hydrochloride in the European economic area are approved as alternative sources of supply of the raw material to UK manufacturers of oxycodone preparations for the British market.

Vernon Coaker: No application has been received to import oxycodone hydrochloride or its base materials from any territory within the European economic area.

Oxycodone

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect on UK producers of oxycodone hydrochloride formulations of other EU countries interpreting the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) less restrictively than his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: No such assessment has been made.

Oxycodone

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that production of oxycodone formulations does not move from the UK to elsewhere in the European Union as a result of Home Office interpretation of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.

Vernon Coaker: Production of controlled drugs, such as oxycodone, is governed by the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 and implemented by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Licensed production under the Act limits domestic trade to medical and scientific purposes. The policy on licensing takes no account of commercial considerations nor does the Act confer any power to compel a manufacturer to remain within the United Kingdom.

Party Conference Security

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2006,  Official Report, columns 1036-37W, on party conference security, what the costs to public funds were of policing and general security for the  (a) Labour and  (b) Conservative party conferences in each year since 1992, broken down by spending at (i) national spring conferences, (ii) national autumn conferences and (iii) regional conferences.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 21 June 2006
	The table shows the cost to public funds, in the form of special grant paid to police authorities, for policing national spring conferences and national autumn conferences in England and Wales. Funding is not provided for regional conferences. For security reasons, we do not disclose the other costs incurred.
	
		
			  Year of party conference  Force  Amount of Government special grant ( million) 
			  (a) Labour   
			  National Spring Conferences   
			 2001-02 South Wales 0.275 
			 2003-04 Greater Manchester 0.500 
			 2004-05 Northumbria 1.440 
			 2005-06 Lancashire 0.820 
			  National Autumn Conferences   
			 1997-98 Sussex 0.750 
			 1998-99 Lancashire 0.750 
			 1999-2000 Dorset 1.581 
			 2000-01 Sussex 1.660 
			 2001-02 Sussex 1.810 
			 2002-03 Lancashire 1.500 
			 2003-04 Dorset 2.250 
			 2004-05 Sussex 3.303 
			 2005-06 Sussex 3.600 
			
			  (b) Conservative   
			  National Autumn Conferences   
			 1996-97 Dorset 1.150 
			 1997-98 Lancashire 0.750 
			 1998-99 Dorset 0.750 
			 1999-2000 Lancashire 0.892 
			 2000-01 Dorset 0.900 
			 2001-02 Lancashire 1.072 
			 2002-03 Dorset 0.894 
			 2003-04 Lancashire 1.200 
			 2004-05 Dorset 1.185 
			 2005-06 Lancashire 1.400

Police

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek a report from the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester regarding the case of PC Sean Mullaney.

Tony McNulty: PC Mullaney was suspended from duty when the CPS decided to prosecute him for two counts of common assault. He was found guilty on both counts, but successfully appealed against the convictions. PC Mullaney's suspension was consequently lifted, and the decision taken to offer him advice on the standards of conduct expected of him.

Police

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officer applications from  (a) women and  (b) black and minority ethnic candidates there were in each of the last five years in the UK.

Tony McNulty: The available information for police officer applications in England and Wales is set out as follows. It is based on responses from forces as these are not data that are collected centrally. Responsibility for recruitment of officers in Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of my right hon. friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
	Recruitment fluctuates according to natural wastage as well as specific funding available. The crime fighting fund has driven significant recruitment over recent years, including record levels in 2002-03 when joiners totalled 13,100. Since then, recruitment has slowed down and this is reflected in numbers of female and minority ethnic applicants as shown in the table.
	
		
			  Number of applications to be a police officer (2001 to 2005) 
			  Number 
			   Female applicants  Minority ethnic applicants 
			 2000-01(1) 15,446 3,556 
			 2001-02(2) 14,891 4,604 
			 2002-03(3) 22,838 4,712 
			 2003-04(4) 14,060 3,419 
			 2004-05(5) 10,974 3,060 
			 (1) Total is based on 41 forces providing data. (2) Total is based on 42 forces providing data. (3) Total is based on 40 forces providing data. (4) Total is based on 38 forces providing data. (5) Total is based on 39 forces providing data.

Police

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1046W, on the police, what the total expected cost is of the consultants employed by his Department to advise on police force amalgamations.

Tony McNulty: The total costs of employing consultants to help advise the Home Office on police force restructuring is expected to be around 1 million.

Police

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assurances  (a) Cumbria and  (b) Lancashire police authorities have sought regarding the terms of their amalgamation; what progress his Department has made in providing these assurances; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Ministers and officials in the Home Office have had regular discussions with representatives of Lancashire and Cumbria police authorities covering a wide range of issues. We are working closely with them to resolve all outstanding issues.

Police

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with other departments regarding the use of amalgamation orders to harmonise the police precept for council taxpayers where police authorities are amalgamated; and whether his Department plans to use primary legislation to harmonise the police precept for council taxpayers.

Tony McNulty: My Department has had regular discussions with other interested departments. I do not envisage that primary legislation will be required to harmonise police precepts.

Police

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 2 June 2006,  Official Report, column 40W, on helicopter searches, at what time the police helicopter at RAF Benson was  (a) placed on and  (b) taken off standby.

Tony McNulty: The answer on 2 June 2006 referred to helicopter searches from RAF Benson on 18 July 2003. The police helicopter based at RAF Benson was available for tasking from 5.35 pm on 17 July 2003 until the end of its duty period at 2.30 am on 18 July 2003. It was available for tasking again from 8.00 am on 18 July 2003 until 2.30 am on 19 July 2003.

Police

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the change in the number of civilian posts which would result if a merger of Cheshire and Merseyside police forces was carried out.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 2 February 2006
	I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in replying to her question.
	It has been estimated that a merger of Cheshire and Merseyside police forces would lead to savings of 5 per cent. of the civilian staff payroll. The precise posts involved, or their number, have not been identified.

Police

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department will be taking to ensure that local decision-making is preserved under the planned merging of police forces in England and Wales.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 5 July 2006
	The police basic command unit (BCD) will shortly be put on a legal footing under the provision of the Police and Justice Bill. Local accountability will remain, as operational policing in local areas will continue to be conducted by the BCD under the supervision of the commander. The creation of strategic forces would improve policing by reducing the abstraction of police officers away from neighbourhood policing to deal with serious and organised crime.

Police

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of police retirements were ill health retirements in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Of the officers who retired with either an ordinary pension or an ill-health pension in 2004-05 10.5 per cent. retired with an ill-health pension, based on available data from 42 out of 43 forces. Since the number of retirements is liable to change from year to year, the rate of ill-health retirement is now measured against the number of officers in service, this being a more stable measure. For 2004-05 the rate of ill-health retirement was three per 1,000 serving officers. These figures are published in HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary's annual report for 2004-05 (page 25) which can be found at: http://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/hc0506/hc08/0842/0842.pdf. This represents a significant improvement in performance, the rate having been 14 per 1000 in 1997-98.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the consistency of first night programmes across the prison estate.

Gerry Sutcliffe: All prisons must ensure that arrangements are in place to provide for the safety and well-being of newly arrived prisoners, particularly during their first night in custody, and to inform them of what to expect over the next 24 hours. The details of these arrangements are a matter for local prison management, and will vary according to the nature of the establishment and its population, and the needs of individual prisoners. No central assessment has been made of the consistency of first night programmes.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the weighted scorecard of London prisons maintained by HM Prison Service; and what position is occupied by each prison establishment in it.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The weighted scorecard is an internal performance information management tool, provided to all establishments to help drive performance improvement. The current weighted scorecard has been produced for quarter four of financial year 2005-06, using provisional data. The following table provides the current position of the London establishments.
	
		
			  Establishment  Quarter four position in weighted scorecard 
			 Belmarsh 95 
			 Brixton 91 
			 Feltham 100 
			 Holloway 16 
			 Latchmere House 129 
			 Pentonville 105 
			 Wandsworth 134 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 19

Prisons

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the transfer of inmates from  (a) a category A prison to a category B prison,  (b) a category B prison to a category C prison and  (c) a category C prison to a category D prison; what changes there have been in that policy since 1 May 1997; on what dates the policy was changed; and how the policy change was made public.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The purpose of the recategorisation of prisoners is to determine whether, and to what extent, the risks a prisoner presented at their last review have changed and to ensure that the prisoner continues to be held in the most appropriately secure conditions. There have been no significant policy changes since 1997.

Prisons

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average weekly cost of detaining an  (a) male and  (b) a female person in prison (i) on remand waiting trial and (ii) after sentence was (A) in the last period for which figures are available and (B) in each of the last 10 years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: HM Prison Service does not collect cost data in the format requested. Costs are collected at each individual establishment and across the prison estate and this does not distinguish between sentenced and remand prisoners.

Probation Service

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for changes to the Probation Service.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 5 July 2006
	There have been significant improvements in the performance of the probation service in recent years. However, we need to do more. We published on 30 March 2006 Working with probation to protect the public and reduce re-offending. This sets out how we will work with the probation service and other partners to develop more effective end-to-end management of offenders throughout their sentence. We intend to bring forward legislation to give effect to our proposals as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Public Order

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders were found guilty of  (a) drunk and disorderly behaviour and  (b) drunken and aggravated behaviour in (i) England, (ii) Beverley and Holderness and (iii) East Riding of Yorkshire council area in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Data from the Court Proceedings Database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform showing how many offenders were found guilty of drunkenness offences in England and in the East Riding of Yorkshire are in the following table. We are unable to supply convictions for Beverley and Holderness constituency as the data is not available at the level of detail required. Figures for 2005 will be available in the autumn of 2006. The table also shows the number of penalty notices (PNDs) for drunk and disorderly behaviour in England in 2004. Data of the number of PNDs issued in the East Riding are not available as figures are not collected at this level of detail.
	
		
			  Number of defendants found guilty at all courts of drunkenness offences in England and the East Riding of Yorkshire, 1997 to 2004( 1) 
			1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  England  
			 Convictions Drunkenness, simple 3,333 3,710 3,134 2,579 2,424 2,201 1,999 1,674 
			  Drunkenness with aggravation 22,474 23,864 22,764 22,078 21,468 22,741 23,893 17,550 
			 Penalty notices Drunk and disorderly behaviour n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 25,591 
			   
			  East Riding of Yorkshire( 2)  
			 Convictions Drunkenness, simple 1  1  1 5 2 2 
			  Drunkenness with aggravation 15 10 8 8 17 72 75 48 
			 n/a = not applicable, as penalty notices were not introduced until 2004. (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) The figures cover four local justice areas: Goole and Howdenshire, Bridlington, Beverley and the Wolds and Hull and Holderness.  Source: RDSOffice for Criminal Justice Reform.

Safety Cameras

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the maximum distance is over which a LT120.20 mobile speed camera can record speed.

Tony McNulty: LTI 20.20 laser speedmeters can be used up to a distance of 999.9m. The instruments are technically capable of operating to distances twice as far, but the maximum distance they can display is 999.9m. Use is therefore limited to this distance.

School Arson

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases of arson attacks on schools a suspect was  (a) cautioned and  (b) charged in the last year for which figures are available; and what percentage of total cases of arson attacks on schools these figures represent.

Gerry Sutcliffe: It is not possible to identify cautions or prosecutions resulting from arson attacks on schools, in the data held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform as such offences cannot be distinguished from all other offences of arson. Data compiled by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) show that in England during 2004, there were 677 fires on schools in which deliberate ignition was established or suspected. DCLG do not collect any information on whether the police arrested or charged any suspects, or on subsequent court appearances.

Security Industry Approved Contractor Scheme

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his written statement of 16 February 2006, on the Private Security Industry Approved Contractor Scheme, what assessment he has made of whether companies that have obtained  (a) UKAS Quality Assurance standards (EN 45012) or  (b) UKAS Product Certification standards (EN 45011) specific to the security industry should be passported through to membership of the scheme.

Vernon Coaker: It is not currently possible for a company to achieve ACS accreditation via the passporting route. The SIA is currently in discussion with one certification body that is preparing an application for accreditation of a passport scheme. No other expressions of interest have been received to date.
	Companies that meet standards that do not directly and exactly cover all the 89 indicators or that cover other criteria in more depth may be eligible for the Fast Track route. This includes companies that have met relevant quality assurance standards and product certification standards as assessed by a UKAS accredited body under EN 45011 and/or EN 45012.

Terrorism (Public Informants)

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to deal with information from the public about those suspected of terrorist acts or conspiracy to commit terrorist acts.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 3 July 2006
	Any information about suspected terrorist activity should be passed to the police. There are a number of ways in which this can be done including the Anti-Terrorist Hotline. The Metropolitan Police Service Anti-Terrorist Branch would be informed in appropriate cases. Any information received by the Anti-Terrorist Branch is logged, assessed and prioritised formally on a daily basis. This process would include detailed inquiries to establish the veracity or otherwise of the information.

Terrorism (Public Informants)

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether proper procedures were followed by the police and intelligence services when Mr. Martin Gilbertson approached West Yorkshire police in 2003 about Mohammed Siddique Khan and other individuals responsible for the terrorist attacks in London on 7 July 2005; why the police told Mr. Gilbertson to post the information rather than arranging to speak to a police officer; whether the information received was logged and properly dealt with; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 3 July 2006
	West Yorkshire police have released a press statement confirming that they have no knowledge of any contact with Mr. Gilbertson prior to 7 July 2005 in relation to the matters raised by him. West Yorkshire police have informed us that Mr. Gilbertson continues to assist officers as part of the overall investigation into the 7 July bombings.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of progress towards achieving prosecutions in Afghanistan for those involved in the trafficking of narcotics.

Ian McCartney: Since August 2005, over 460 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of drugs related offences in Afghanistan. Prosecutors have handled over 350 cases and over 150 individuals have been convicted. This progress is being supported by improvements to the criminal justice system infrastructure, including the establishment of dedicated and secure narcotics courts and prison facilities. A counter narcotics Criminal Justice Task Force of 80 Afghan investigators, prosecutors and judges has been established to work with the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan specifically to conduct drugs prosecutions. New Afghan counter narcotics legislation was adopted in December 2005. The new law gives wide-ranging powers for prosecution of drugs offenders, covering both those transporting drugs and those facilitating or conspiring to do so, and sets out stringent minimum sentences for drug trafficking offences and tough sentences for public officials interfering in cases.

Amazonian Deforestation Project

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what companies are involved in the Amazonian Deforestation Soya Certification Project in the Para region, Brazil; what proportion come from the region; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: Cargill is the only company involved in the Amazon Deforestation Soya Certification Project. It is a US based privately owned company with regional offices in Santarem, State of Para, Brazil. Approximately 300 local Brazilian producers supply Cargill with soya. All these producers participate in the Amazon Deforestation Soya Certification Project. The project works intensively with approximately 20 of these producers.

British Embassies/High Commissions

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the locations are of British embassies and high commissions staffed by only one UK-based diplomat.

Geoff Hoon: Two British high commissions are staffed by a single UK-based diplomat. They are in St. John's (Antigua and Barbuda) and Castries (St. Lucia). Our embassy to the Holy See is also staffed by one UK-based officer.
	In addition, the following subordinate posts are staffed by one UK-based diplomat:
	British Embassy Office, Abijan
	The Administrator's Office, Ascension Island
	British Consulate-General, Auckland
	British Embassy Office, Banja Luka
	British Consulate-General, Bordeaux
	Embassy Office, Conakry
	British Consulate-General, Lille
	British Consulate-General, Lyon
	British Consulate, Monrovia
	British Consulate, Nagoya
	Pitcairn Islands Administration, Pitcairn
	The Administrator's Office, Tristan de Cunha.

Burma

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of whether the recent move of the Burmese capital is related to the development of a nuclear site in the vicinity.

Ian McCartney: We were formally notified of the Burmese authorities' decision to relocate the seat of administration to Pyinmana on 7 November 2005. The State Peace and Development Council claims that moving to a more central location will enable the Government to carry out the development of the whole nation more effectively. We have no evidence that the move was related to the development of a nuclear site in the vicinity.

Burma

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports the Government have received on the use of chemical weapons by the regime in Burma.

Ian McCartney: In 2005 we looked into allegations that the Burmese regime had used chemical weapons against Karenni fighters but there was no hard evidence to confirm this. Since then we have not received any further reports.

International Atomic Energy Agency

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with her  (a) US and  (b) European counterparts on the reinstating of International Atomic Energy Agency verification and monitoring activities in Iraq; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had discussions with her US or European counterparts on this issue.
	There are two distinct International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) activities in Iraq. The IAEA's first mandate is to continue to implement safeguards in Iraq under an agreement pursuant to the global Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
	The IAEA's second mandate in Iraq derives from authority of the UN Security Council under the auspices of adopted Resolution 687 in 1991. This included the establishing of an international inspection regime for disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction; in particular to uncover, map, monitor and neutralise Iraq's clandestine nuclear weapons programme. The IAEA, through its Iraq Nuclear Verification Office (INVO), remains responsible for this aspect of the nuclear file in Iraq.
	On 17 March 2003, the IAEA and all other UN organisations suspended field activities in Iraq ahead of the announced military operations. During this interruption of inspections, INVO has focused its activities on consolidating and further analysing the information collected, with the objective of identifying lessons learned for the future and determining to what extent the Agency's plan for resuming verification activities needs to be adapted in light of those lessons and the changing situation in Iraq. Periodic reports are filed with the UN Security Council. The IAEA has stated that it remains prepared to resume its field and related activities in Iraq, pending guidance from the UN Security Council.

Iraq

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has received from her US counterpart regarding the statement by the US Commander of Multinational Forces in Iraq that covert Iranian special forces are providing weapons, roadside bomb technology and training to Shi'ite extremist groups; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discusses the situations in Iran and Iraq frequently with Dr. Rice. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said, the nature of some explosive devices used in Iraq, including against British troops, leads us to either Iranian elements or Lebanese Hezbollah, which has close connections with Iran. We continue to investigate. We have repeatedly made our concerns clear to the Iranians in the strongest terms.

Israel

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring, beyond seeking information from Israel, is being undertaken by the UK Government to ascertain whether military equipment supplied directly to Israel, or components which are supplied to a third country but which have been re-exported or diverted to Israel, are being used in the military incursions by Israel into Gaza and the West Bank which commenced on 27 June; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 5 July (UIN 82166). Our embassy in Tel Aviv monitors local developments taking account of information from all relevant sources which might indicate that military equipment from the UK or other suppliers has been used in a manner inconsistent with the Consolidated Criteria. All relevant information obtained would be taken into consideration as appropriate in the thorough assessment of any future export licensing decisions.

Journalists (China)

Mohammad Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on reports of restrictions being placed on journalists by the Chinese Government.

Ian McCartney: The Government are very concerned about the apparent hardening of Chinese policy on freedom of expression, including on journalists and in relation to the internet. We regularly raise these concerns with the Chinese Government and make clear our view that freedom of information is essential to the development of a modern, stable and sustainable society.
	Freedom of expression was a particular focus of the May 2006 round of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. The EU also made representations to the Chinese Government on this issue in Beijing on 27 June 2006. Several individual cases of concern were raised on both occasions and at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in Beijing on 3 July 2006. I will discuss media freedom issues with the Chinese Government and foreign correspondents during my forthcoming visit to China.

Kashmir

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department is taking to help resolve the dispute over Kashmir.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 5 July 2006
	My hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East discussed Kashmir with the Pakistani Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, during his visit to the UK in March 2006. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed Kashmir with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to India in September 2005. My right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) the then Foreign Secretary discussed Kashmir with Indian and Pakistani counterparts during his visit to both countries in February 2005. Officials in both countries also regularly discuss the situation in Kashmir with Indian and Pakistani Ministers and officials.
	The Government fully supports the ongoing Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan, which includes the issue of Kashmir. We will continue to urge both countries to seek a lasting solution to their dispute over Kashmir, which takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Kosovo

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations her Department has made to ensure that the protection of minorities is properly provided for in the final status arrangements for Kosovo.

Geoff Hoon: The UK continues to stress to the Kosovo Government the need to focus on delivering UN-endorsed standards relevant to minority communities in Kosovo, and to create the conditions for a multi-ethnic Kosovo. In mid-June the Contact Group (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Russia, together with EU representatives) Head of Missions in Pristina presented a list to the Kosovo Government of priority standards, including minority rights, where we expected to see progress.
	The Contact Group ministerial statement of 31 January and the UN-endorsed Guiding Principles make clear that the final status outcome should offer effective constitutional guarantees to assure the protection of minorities, including mechanisms to ensure their participation in central government and in the new local administrative structures. There should also be robust arrangements for patrimonial sites. Both of these documents can be found in the Library of the House.

Kosovo

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations her Department has made to ensure that the protection of religious and cultural sites is properly provided for in the final status arrangements for Kosovo.

Geoff Hoon: In mid-April, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Balkans co-ordinator held a meeting with Mr. Astrit Haraqia, the Kosovo Minister of Culture, and reiterated the importance of protecting and preserving Kosovo's cultural heritage.
	UN Status Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, held talks on 23 May 2006 between Belgrade and Pristina on the protection of cultural and religious heritage sites. A further meeting is due to be held on 17 July 2006. The UK welcomes these meetings and hopes that agreement on this issue can be reached soon.
	The UK recognises that the protection of religious and cultural sites will be a key issue during the final status process. The Contact Group's UN-endorsed Guiding Principles refer to the need for any settlement to include specific safeguards for the protection of the cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo, and provisions specifying the Status of the Serbian Orthodox Church's institutions and sites in Kosovo. These Guiding Principles are there to support the work of the UN Status Envoy and have been placed in the Library of the House.

Kosovo

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the final status of Kosovo; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Government's policy on Kosovo's final status is set out in the Contact Group ministerial statement of 31 January 2006 and the UN-endorsed Guiding Principles.
	The Contact Group ministerial statement makes clear that the final status process for Kosovo should be concluded during 2006, that there were a distinct set of circumstances that distinguished Kosovo from other disputed areas and that any settlement needed to be acceptable to the people of Kosovo.
	The UN-endorsed Guiding Principles exist to support the UN Status Envoy. They make clear that there should be no partition of, or in Kosovo, and no union of Kosovo with any country or part of any other country after the solution of Kosovo's final status.
	Both of these documents have been placed in the Library of the House.

Montenegro

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans she has to exchange diplomatic missions with Montenegro; and who will take up the position of Her Majesty's Ambassador to the state.

Geoff Hoon: On 13 June 2006, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary wrote to Montenegrin Foreign Minister Vlahovic to propose the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and Montenegro, and to announce our intention to upgrade the British Office in Podgorica to an embassy as soon as is practicable. Our ambassador in Belgrade will be responsible for relations with Montenegro until the resident ambassador has been appointed.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Canon Law

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assurances have  (a) been sought and  (b) received from the new ambassador to the Vatican that at all times he will place UK law above Canon law.

Geoff Hoon: I have been asked to reply.
	All Heads of British Diplomatic Missions are bound by Diplomatic Service Regulations which are made under powers vested in the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by the Diplomatic Service Order in Council 1991 (as amended). These include a Code of Ethics, the Diplomatic Service Code, which makes clear that the duty of all members of the Diplomatic Service is to the duly constituted Government of the United Kingdom. The Code also includes
	the duty to comply with the law, including international law and treaty obligations, and to uphold the administration of justice.
	This includes the applicable law of the UK and any international legal obligations of the UK. Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, diplomats are also required by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to respect the laws of the receiving State.

Courts Service

David Burrowes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether an impact assessment was carried out prior to the decision to implement changes in the Courts Service's budget.

Harriet Harman: With regards to the impact assessment, all parts of HMCS worked up plans to see how they could make savings that would enable them to live within the set budget, while maintaining the services HMCS delivers to its customers and minimising impacts for staff and jobs.

Departmental Hospitality

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will keep a separate record of the amount spent annually by her Department on alcohol for hospitality purposes.

Vera Baird: My Department records in its accounting system all expenditure incurred for hospitality purposes in total. It does not allow for the information to be broken down specifically for alcohol expenditure.
	All expenditure incurred by DCA is done so in accordance with the principles set out in Government Accounting and supported by the Department's published internal guidance.

Departmental Travel

David Laws: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans she has to ensure that all flights undertaken by Ministers and officials in her Department are carbon neutral; and if she will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: All central Government ministerial and official air travel is being offset from 1 April 2006. Departmental aviation emissions are calculated on an annual basis and subsequently offset through payments to a central fund. The fund purchases Certified Emissions Reductions credits from energy efficiency and renewable energy projects with sustainable development benefits, located in developing countries.

Development, Innovation and Support Contracts Project

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what progress has been made on the Development, Innovation and Support Contracts project; and if she will make a statement.

Vera Baird: The DISC Programme is due to announce the award of contracts in the fourth quarter of 2006 and is on target to achieve this.

DNA Bioscience

David Laws: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2006,  Official Report, columns 2082-86W, on DNA Bioscience, whether DNA Bioscience made an application to be added to the accredited list.

Harriet Harman: I refer the hon. Member for Yeovil to the answer given to him on 22 June 2006,  Official Report, columns 2082-86W. As indicated in the paragraphs headed DNA Diagnostics Center and DNA Bioscience, DNA Bioscience was not itself accredited by the Department for Constitutional Affairs to carry out court directed tests under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969. DNA Bioscience was not eligible to be accredited by DCA as it was not a testing facility, so had no ISO 17025 accreditation. Following an application from DNA Bioscience, DCA agreed that DNA Diagnostics Center (the laboratory DNA Bioscience used to conduct DNA tests) could be added to the accredited list. The Department then agreed orally in December 2004, that DNA Bioscience's details could be added to the accredited list, but this was not as a result of an application for accreditation. The intention was to add those details as a referral route to the accredited body (DNA Diagnostics Center).

Judicial Review

David Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs on what occasions an  (a) individual and  (b) organisation has applied for a judicial review of decisions of her Department in each year since 1997; and what the outcome was of each case where proceedings have been completed.

Vera Baird: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Libra

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many magistrates courts are using the Libra computer system.

Harriet Harman: There are nine magistrates courts using the Libra case management system.

Official Residences

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list the official residences for which her Department is responsible; who occupies each one; what the annual cost is of running each property; what contribution the occupants of each make towards running costs; what the total capital and refurbishment expenditure was on those properties in 2004-05; how much was spent in each property on  (a) flowers and plants,  (b) wine and entertaining,  (c) food,  (d) telephone bills and  (e) electricity and gas in 2004-05; how many (i) domestic and (ii) maintenance staff are employed at each property, broken down by post; and what the total cost of staff employment was in 2004-05.

Vera Baird: My Department is not responsible for any official residences.
	The Palace of Westminster is responsible for the maintenance of the Lord Chancellor's residence in the House of Lords and for any work that needs to be carried out. There are no permanent staff employed at the residence. The Lord Chancellor's Private Office is responsible for the administration of the residence in terms of organising tours of the residence and keeping the diary of charitable functions. The Department does not make any contributions to the running cost of the Lord Chancellor's residence in the House of Lords.
	The cost of  (b) wine and entertaining and  (c) food for the years 2004 and 2005 are as follows:
	
		
			   Amount () 
			  (b) Wine and entertaining  
			 2005 883.88 
			 2004 2,914.12 
			   
			  (c) Food  
			 2005 15,534.40 
			 2004 29,440.78 
		
	
	My Department is not responsible for  (a) flowers and plants,  (d) telephone bills or  (e) gas and electricity bills nor are we responsible for (i) domestic or (ii) maintenance staff.
	With respect to the contribution made by occupants: Ministers occupying official residences do not pay tax on the living accommodation itself. However tax is paid on the ancillary services (lighting, heating etc.) at a sum limited to his/her taxable ministerial salary and benefit (if any).

Parliamentary Boundaries

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the final outcome of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission will  (a) be published and  (b) become effective for the purpose of the election on which these boundaries would be used.

David Hanson: I have been asked to reply 
	as this question relates to the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Boundary Commission.
	The Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland is required to submit its final report to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by June 2007. The Secretary of State must then lay the Commission's final recommendations (with or without modifications) before Parliament for approval.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Economically Inactive

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of the 2 million economically inactive people who would like to work are receiving benefits, broken down by benefit.

James Plaskitt: In January-March 2006 there were 7,943,000 inactive people of working age in the United Kingdom. Of these 2,019,000 (25 per cent.) wanted to work.(1)
	Latest LFS data suggest that of the 2 million inactive people who want to work: around one quarter are claiming housing and/or council tax benefit; around 15 per cent. are claiming sickness or disability benefits (excluding disabled persons tax credit); around 17 per cent. are claiming child benefit; less than two per cent. were claiming jobseeker's allowance; and around one third are not claiming benefits.(2)
	Comparison between the data collected by the LFS and administrative data shows that the LFS consistently undercounts benefit claimants. However, the LFS data give an indication of the benefits received. It is important to note because of these caveats and the small sample sizes of the data used, the figures above are subject to a great degree of uncertainty.
	 Sources:
	(1) Labour Force Survey (LFS), January-March 2006.
	(2) Labour Force Survey Winter 2005.

Jobcentre Plus

John Butterfill: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received on the closure of much of the Jobcentre Plus office in Cotlands Road, Bournemouth; what assessment he has made of  (a) the capacity of the revised arrangements to deal with inquiries from claimants unable to get help or advice on the telephone and  (b) the number of officers in management roles at the Chippenham office; what the average time taken to process an application for benefits has been in each of the last three months; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 6 July 2006:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what representations he has received since the closure of much of the Jobcentre Plus office in Cotlands Road Bournemouth; what assessment he has made of (a) the capacity of the revised arrangements to deal with inquiries from claimants unable to get help or advice on the telephone and (b) the number of officers in management roles at the Chippenham office; what the average time taken to process an application for benefits has been in each of the last three months. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	I fully accept that the services offered to our customers in Bournemouth and Poole over the last few months has not been as I would want. We are part of the way through the creation of a network of Benefit Delivery Centres to modernise the processing of claims for benefit. Chippenham, which serves customers in Bournemouth and Poole, is one of these sites and I regret to say that there have been a number of local issues which have had the effect of reducing the level of service below acceptable levels. Specifically, we have been short of experienced staff and some key management posts were unfilled which has inhibited our ability to respond to local problems. Experience levels are growing and we have recently filled all of the management posts. We now have four senior managers on site and 22 junior managers to support them.
	We have developed a local improvement plan and a number of steps have already been taken with some early signs of improvement showing through in the data for April. These steps include the recruitment of 38 additional staff and the transfer of four experienced Incapacity Benefit staff from another site to bolster experience levels. We have also reviewed our internal process from first contact by the customer to payment, which will reduce the time it takes to assess claims. We are reviewing progress against this plan weekly and putting in place arrangements to clear the arrears of claims that have built up by lending Chippenham additional help from outside.
	I have set out in the attached tables the latest data on claims clearance at Chippenham and representations received. Neil Couling, Director of Benefits and Fraud, would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss these.
	Finally, you ask about the difficulties being experienced by customers getting through to Chippenham by phone. Some technical issues have exacerbated problems but I am pleased to say that these issues are being addressed. Our contractors hope the service will start to improve in July. Benefit Delivery Centres have a key role to play in supporting the improvements to our services, including improving processing times and reducing fraud and error in the benefit system. For customers who are unable to access our services through the telephone or electronically, we still have other options including office interviews and home visits.
	I hope this is helpful.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many individuals diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis who attended a medical tribunal were successful in  (a) 2003,  (b) 2004 and  (c) 2005.

Vera Baird: I have been asked to reply 
	as responsibility for Social Security and Child Support appeals now falls to the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.
	The requested information is not available. Details are not kept about the nature of the medical condition of people who attend appeal tribunals.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what arrangements are in place to ensure that medical tribunals for individuals diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis who are housebound are held in a location convenient for the claimant.

Vera Baird: I am answering this question as responsibility for social security and child support appeals now falls to the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.
	Social security and child support appeals are heard at a network of around 130 venues throughout Great Britain. Where a party to the proceedings wishes to attend an oral hearing but is unable to travel due to a medical condition, a legally qualified panel member may agree that the hearing can be held at an alternative suitable location, including the person's home.

National Insurance Contributions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate  (a) the number of people due to retire after 2010 who have paid voluntary national insurance contributions and who would otherwise have qualified for a full basic pension on the basis of 30 contribution years required for a full state pension and  (b) the total amount of such overpayment.

James Purnell: The information is not available in the format requested.

National Insurance Numbers

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals applying for a national insurance number were referred to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in  (a) the last six months,  (b) the last 12 months and  (c) each of the last five years due to (i) suspicion about their eligibility to work in the UK, (ii) the use of false documents and (iii) other reasons.

James Plaskitt: Between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006, 3309 cases were referred to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. Of these, 772 were referred due to the use of false documents and 2537 were referred as potential immigration offenders. Figures are not available prior to the 1 April 2005 as the information was not formally recorded. No further breakdown is available.

Pathways to Work Pilot Areas

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's estimate is of the cost to date of personal adviser time per work-focused interview in Pathways to work pilot areas.

Jim Murphy: The total cost to date per work-focused interview (or unit cost) is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	In response to PSA target requirements, Jobcentre Plus do publish the unit costs for job broking and benefit processing every year in their annual report and accounts. The PSA unit costs for job broking activities and benefit processing for 2004-05 were as shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Benefit  Unit cost () 
			 Job broking 197.64 
			 Benefit processing 28.07

Pensions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the number of women in the UK who will retire between 1 May 2005 and 31 April 2010 with  (a) 30 years or more of class 1 national insurance contributions and  (b) more than 30 but less than 39 years of national insurance contributions.

James Purnell: The information is not available in the format requested.

Personal Capability Assessment

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  which organisations his Department has had meetings with on the proposed reform of the Personal Capability Assessment referred to in the Green Paper A new deal for welfare;
	(2)  which individuals form the expert panels set up by the Department since the publication of the Green Paper A new deal for welfare to formulate policy on reforming the Personal Capability Assessment; and which bodies they represent.

Jim Murphy: As part of the Welfare Reform Green Paper consultation we have met a large number of stakeholders to discuss the full range of our reform proposals. With many of these we discussed our proposals to transform the PCA. Because of the number of organisations involved we are not able to list all the individuals and groups involved. We continue to meet with organisation to discuss the proposals.
	In addition, the Department has created a series of working groups, comprising medical, technical and stakeholder experts, to advise and assist in the work to transform the Personal Capability Assessment (PCA). The membership of each of the groups is in the tables.
	
		
			  Overarching PCA Consultative Group 
			  Name  Organisation 
			 Duleep Allirajah Macmillan Cancer Support 
			 Dr. Mark Baker RNID 
			 Andy Barrick RNIB 
			 Brigid Campbell Independent/Social Security Advisory Committee 
			 David Congdon MENCAP 
			 Stephen Duckworth Disability Matters 
			 Richard Excell TUC 
			 Katie Hanson SENSE 
			 Jane Harris Rethink 
			 Marilyn Howard DRC 
			 Christine Jess Disability Employment Advisory Committee 
			 John Knight Leonard Cheshire 
			 Glynn McDonald Arthritis Care 
			 Andy Rickell Scope 
			 Sue Christoforou MIND 
			 Vanessa Stanislas Disability Alliance 
			 John Wheatley Citizens Advice Bureau 
		
	
	
		
			  Mental Health Consultative Group 
			  Name  Organisation 
			 David Congdon MENCAP 
			 Sue Christoforou MIND 
			 Margaret Edwards SANE 
			 Richard Excell TUC 
			 Jane Harris Rethink 
			 Caroline Hawkings Turning Point 
			 Kate Nash Radar 
			 Rachel Perkins Disability Employment Advisory Committee 
			 Mia Rosenblatt National Autistic Society 
			 Liz Sayce Disability Rights Commission 
			 Judy Scott Judy Scott Consultancy 
			 Debbie Witton Salford County Council 
		
	
	
		
			  Mental Health Technical Working Group( 1) 
			  Name  Organisation 
			 Dr. Jed Boardman Royal College of Psychiatrists 
			 Dr. Alan Cohen Royal College of GPs 
			 Dr. Bob Grove Department of Health 
			 Sue Godby Unum Provident/College of Occupational Therapists 
			 Dr. Paul Litchfield Faculty of Occupational Medicine 
			 Miles Rinaldi National Institute for Mental Health in England 
			 Philippa Russell National Children's Bureau 
			 Prof. Geoff Shepherd Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust 
		
	
	
		
			  Physical Descriptors Technical Working Group( 1) 
			  Name  Organisation 
			 Dr. Anthony Clarke Royal National Hospital for Rheumatological Diseases 
			 Peter Dewis Unum Provident 
			 Dr. David Henderson-Slater Oxford Centre for Enablement 
			 Anne Johnson Royal National Hospital for Rheumatological Diseases 
			 Anne Spaight Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board 
		
	
	
		
			  Review of evidence gathering from GPs( 1) 
			  Name  Organisation 
			 Dr. Robert Barnett General Practitioner 
			 Dr. John Chisholm Royal College of General Practitioners 
			 (1) Members of the Technical Groups were chosen for the experience they bring to the groups, not the organisations they are employed by or are members of. They do not necessary represent the views of these organisations on the groups.

DEFENCE

9 mm Browning Pistol

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what plans there are to replace the 9 mm Browning pistol in the UK armed forces;
	(2)  who makes the 9 mm ammunition used with the Browning side arm in the UK armed forces; and what recent assessment has been made of the trend in the number of stoppages;
	(3)  in what years successive marks of the Browning 9 mm pistol came into service.

Adam Ingram: The Browning 9 mm pistol entered service in 1967 and no successive marks have been introduced. A replacement pistol is not planned until 2016. The ammunition is manufactured by Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The performance of all weapons systems is continuously assessed and there has been no trend identified regarding stoppages for the Browning 9 mm pistol.

Afghanistan

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment UK officials have made of the feasibility of making concurrent progress on security and counter-narcotics objectives in Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: The UK's aim in Afghanistan is to support the development of a free, secure and stable state. The drugs trade feeds on and contributes to insecurity in Afghanistan and the wider region, and insurgents and drug traffickers flourish in the same ungoverned space. It needs therefore to be tackled to ensure improvements in the overall security.
	This cannot be done by military means alone, and so we are working closely with other Government Departments to deliver a comprehensive package of military, economic, diplomatic and developmental support to the Afghan Government.

Afghanistan

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) Sabre and  (b) Scimitar vehicles are deployed in Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: To declare the exact vehicle mix currently in or planned for Afghanistan would be detrimental to the safety of UK personnel and disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the security of the armed forces.

Army Continuous Attitude Survey

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 20th June 2006,  Official Report, column 1708W, on the Army Continuous Attitude Survey, what the contents were of question 39c in the Army Continuous Attitude Survey September to December 2005; and why this question was not printed in the copy which was placed in the Library on 19 April 2006.

Tom Watson: The Serving Personnel Continuous Attitude Survey (CAS) is a management information tool that is used to assess and monitor the attitudes of serving officers and soldiers over time. Its findings inform the development of service personnel strategy and policies. In the ninth Serving Personnel (SP9) survey, which was distributed in September 2005, question 66 was removed and replaced with question 39c, an open-ended question which asks If within the last 12 months you have suffered unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment and/or bullying and you have chosen not to complain please explain why?. The analysis of open-ended questions is complex and not contained in the Technical Annex of the CAS Report, which is placed in the Library of the House.
	The analysis of question 39c is summarised as follows. It gives the number of comments made as well as a more detailed breakdown of the negative comments, which are used to identify areas for improvement. Overall, a total of 90 officers and 252 soldiers commented, which equates to 8 per cent. and 16 per cent. respectively of those who responded to the questionnaire.
	Number and type of comments made by respondents:
	
		
			   Officers  Soldiers 
			  Type of comment  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			 Negative 102 78 243 70 
			 Neutral 7 5 14 4 
			 Positive 22 17 90 26 
			 Total 131  347  
		
	
	Breakdown of negative comments made by category:
	
		
			Number of comments 
			  Category  Officers  Soldiers 
			 1. Stigma attached to complaining 8 13 
			 2. Pressure not to complain 3 7 
			 3. Fear of further victimisation/bad reaction from person responsible for unfair treatment 4 22 
			 4. Would have made the situation worse 7 26 
			 5. Do not know/did not know what to do 3 10 
			 6. Pointlessnothing changes 22 54 
			 7. Did not feel the need to/could not be bothered to complain 18 21 
			 8. Part of Army life 5 7 
			 9. Lack of trust in the system 2 25 
			 10. Leaving soon or moving jobs (respondent or person responsible for unfair treatment) 0 7 
			 11. Currently being dealt with 2 1 
			 12. Effect on career prospects 7 14 
			 13. Dealt with in-house/informal complaint made 0 1 
			 14. Not suffered any unfair treatment 0 0 
			 15. General comments about unfair treatment suffered/suffering (no mention of complaint) 18 33 
			 16. Other (any comments that do not fit the above categories) 3 2

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is making contributions of  (a) funding,  (b) expertise and  (c) personnel towards the (i) UN and (ii) EU peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Adam Ingram: UK funding for the UN Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) is drawn from the Tri-departmental (FCO, MOD, DfID) peace-keeping budget. In 2005-06 this budget made assessed contributions of approximately 37 million to MONUC. The UK also currently provides six officers to MONUC, at a gross additional cost of 740,000 in 2005-06. These officers fill key strategic posts, notably that of the Chief of Staff in the Eastern Division HQ in Kisangani, and the Military Assistant to the Force Commander in the MONUC Force HQ in Kinshasa. In addition, we have provided training support during the stand-up of the Eastern Division HQ and advice, with other nations, through the short-term deployment of a technical assessment mission.
	Through the EU Funding Mechanism (ATHENA) the UK has paid, via the same Tri-departmental budget, 1.634 million for the common costs of the EU military mission to the Republique Democratique du Congo (EUFOR RD Congo). EUFOR RD Congo is deploying in support of MONUC and with the approval of the Congolese Transitional National Government. UK MOD is currently providing three personnel for EUFOR RD Congo: one officer for the Operational HQ in Germany; one officer for the Force HQ (FHQ) in Kinshasa, for the duration of the Operation; and one further officer from the European Air Group to the FHQ, to assist with planning and logistics for up to four weeks.

Military Flying Training

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the Military Flying Training private finance initiative programme will close.

Adam Ingram: I assume the hon. Member is referring to the financial closure of the UK Military Flying Training System contract. Competitive bids are in the process of being assessed, after which the investment decision will be taken. Current planning assumptions expect financial closure to occur in 2007.

Military Flying Training

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the implementation of the Military Flying Training public finance initiative programme on departmental targets for  (a) improved quality of training,  (b) cost reduction and  (c) contraction of the defence estate.

Adam Ingram: The NAO Report, HG 880 Session 1999-2000 Training New Pilots dated 14 September 2000, recommended a more consistent approach to flying training. This report was instrumental in the initiation of the UK Military Flying Training System Project.
	Since the project is still in its competitive phase, it is not possible to predict the full extent of the benefits to be realised through the project at this point. It is anticipated that the primary benefits will come from modernising the flying training processes for all three services, realising efficiencies and, since training is currently spread across several organisations, taking advantage of potential economies of scale. It is assumed that the existing estate will be utilised, although it is possible that there may be opportunities in the future for some estate rationalisation.

Military Vehicles

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what vehicles are provided for Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel on active service in Iraq.

Adam Ingram: We currently use three similar types of Explosive Ordnance Disposal vehicle on Operation TELIC. However, the disclosure of any further detail would reveal the strength and capability of UK forces operating in Iraq, which could have a bearing on our operational security, thereby placing our servicemen and women in additional unnecessary danger or potential harm.

Search and Rescue Services

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2006,  Official Report, column 2052W, on search and rescue services, whether the assessment of the future of the Maritime Counter Terrorism role will include consideration of RNAS Culdrose as a possible base for the fulfilment of this role.

Adam Ingram: The continued requirement for 771 Squadron's Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) role will be fully assessed in due course. Assuming the requirement remains, the task will be fulfilled by an equally capable military unit using an in-service helicopter, operating out of its usual base. Helicopters based at RNAS Culdrose would be considered along with all MOD helicopter types, and Culdrose would be considered as a possible future operating base for fulfilment of the MCT role currently undertaken by 771 Squadron.

Search and Rescue Services

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2006,  Official Report, column 2052W, on search and rescue services, whether relevant factors will include the consideration of  (a) support for local air ambulance out of hours,  (b) medical evacuations,  (c) casualty evacuations,  (d) availability of back-up aircraft and  (e) capacity to call upon competent trained non-search and rescue aircraft and crews from the same base for large scale emergencies which are functions of the 771 Squadron.

Adam Ingram: The requirement specification for the future Search and Rescue Helicopter service is being developed in full consultation with key stakeholders, including senior representatives from RNAS Culdrose, to ensure that the service is at least as effective as the current one. For large scale emergencies the Ministry of Defence policy remains to evaluate the need for Military Aid to the civil community on a case by case basis, dependent upon availability.

Search and Rescue Services

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2006,  Official Report, column 2052W, on search and rescue services, which  (a) existing and  (b) potential helicopter bases the Maritime Coastguard Agency and his Department have assessed as capable of providing an equivalent search and rescue coverage of the maritime western approaches to that provided by the 771 Squadron at RMAS Culdrose.

Adam Ingram: Any assessment of basing for the UK Search and Rescue Helicopter service must take account of the capability provided by the UK bases as a whole. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Ministry of Defence Review of UK Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Provision and Coverage Criteria ReportJune 2001 contained a risk assessment of UK Search and Rescue, which included the maritime western approaches. The assessment demonstrated that current basing arrangements, which include RNAS Culdrose, meet the coverage criteria.
	Any new helicopter basing arrangement proposed will also be assessed, in terms of the whole UK capability, to ensure that it meets the defined coverage criteria.

Sig Sauer 228 Pistols

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Sig Sauer 228 pistols are in use in the British armed forces, broken down by unit.

Adam Ingram: There are 117 Sig Sauer 228 pistols available to the UK armed forces, 36 of which are currently deployed for training purposes as follows:
	
		
			  Unit  Quantity 
			 6 Regiment Royal Military Police 22 
			 Pontrilas Army Training Area (PATA) 1 
			 57 Logistic Support Squadron 6 
			 Defence Human Intelligence Unit (DHU) 7 
		
	
	The balance are currently held in storage.

Trident

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on the development of a replacement Arming, Fuzing and Firing system for the Trident warhead; and when the system will enter service.

Des Browne: It is not our practice to comment on the details of UK warhead design. I am withholding the information requested because it relates to national security and defence in the UK.

Trident

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department has carried out to verify the integrity of Trident targeting and fire control software created and tested in the US and from which US-eyes only items have been removed.

Des Browne: Each new release of Trident fire control software is certified by the US Government under the terms of the Polaris Sales Agreement (as amended for Trident). Under the agreement, the UK has the capability to validate the software models for software performance and verify that the findings are correct. This is undertaken and independently verified by UK experts to ensure the software meets our requirements before being issued to Royal Navy submarines.

Trident

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) officer and  (b) rating complement is of the Trident fleet (i) at full strength and (ii) currently.

Adam Ingram: The Royal Navy Trident Fleet consists of four Vanguard-class Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs).
	The full complement of a Vanguard-class submarine in a sea-going role is 160 men, consisting of 19 officers and 141 ratings. Of these, 140 go to sea.
	Six crews are provided to man the four boats; a total requirement of 114 officers and 846 ratings. The current trained strength is 110 officers and 840 ratings.
	Current policy is to ensure that any submarine is 100 per cent. manned at sea, with priority given to the SSBN force.

Trident

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the training requirements of the Trident fleet crew; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Trident fleet consists of four Vanguard-class Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs). Training requirements of the Trident fleet crew are subject to continual review and assessment. This process ensures that training remains up to date, and provides highly capable and well trained personnel onboard Trident submarines.

SCOTLAND

Agency Staff

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what average hourly rate was paid by his Department to each employment agency for staff employed through agencies in 2005-06.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office did not use any employment agencies during 2005-06.

Barnett Formula

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the operation of the Barnett Formula as it relates to Scotland.

David Cairns: My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a range of issues.

Correspondence

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the average cost to his Department was of replying to a letter written by  (a) an hon. Member and  (b) a member of the public in the last period for which figures are available; and how much of that sum was accounted for by (i) officials' time, (ii) cost of stationery and (iii) postage costs.

David Cairns: The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the performance of Departments in replying to Members/Peers correspondence. The report for 2005 was published on 30 March 2006,  Official Report, columns 76-78WS.
	The information requested is not held in the form requested.

Departmental Chief Accounting Officer

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the  (a) name,  (b) professional and academic qualifications and  (c) relevant experience are of the chief accounting officer of his Department.

David Cairns: For administrative purposes, the Scotland Office is within the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) and the Permanent Secretary, DCA, is the Accounting Officer. The Head of the Scotland Office, Dr. James Wildgoose, is an Additional Accounting Officer and is responsible for financial and other Accounting Officer activities in the Office. He does not hold a professional accountancy qualification but has full access to advice from professionally qualified staff in both the DCA and the Scottish Executive.

Departmental Finance Directors

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the  (a) name,  (b) professional and academic qualifications and  (c) relevant experience are of the finance director of his Department.

David Cairns: For administrative purposes, the Scotland Office is within the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). The Head of Finance at the Scotland Office is Ian Allen. He does not hold a professional accountancy qualification but has full access to advice from professionally qualified staff in both the DCA and the Scottish Executive.

FIFA World Cup

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which matches  (a) he and  (b) other Ministers in his Department attended at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany in their ministerial capacity; at what cost to public funds; and with what contributions from third party organisations.

David Cairns: None.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Central Office of Information

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if she will place in the Library a copy of the Central Office of Information's Information and Press Officers Directory.

Patrick McFadden: A copy of the Information and Press Officers Directory has been placed in the Library, for the reference of Members.
	The directory is currently being revised and a new edition will be published at the end of July. The new edition, and subsequent revisions, will also be placed in the Library.

Contingency Telecommunications Provision

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when she expects the project for a new Contingency Telecommunications Provision to be put in place; whether it is expected fully to meet contingency voice and data communications requirements; and how much has been allocated to the programme.

Edward Miliband: holding answer 3 July 2006
	The Cabinet Office last year replaced most of the aged Emergency Communications Network with satellite telephones for all responder organisations connected to the Network and a range of other bodies, thereby enhancing the quality, diversity and deployability of fallback voice communications in the event of failure of public fixed and mobile telephone networks. The current budget for this capability is some 500,000 per year.
	The Cabinet Office is also taking forward longer-term work to enhance the resilience of responders' communications, drawing on the lessons of recent incidents, especially the response to the bombings in London on 7 July 2005. This work is covering the wide range of communications systems available to responders for use in civil contingencies. Some 3.4 million per year is currently allocated for these purposes.

Departmental Estate

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much her Department has spent on the repair of water leaks within its estate in each of the last three financial years; if she will estimate likely expenditure for 2006-07; and if she will make a statement.

Hilary Armstrong: The Cabinet Office operates a number of facilities management contracts across its estate. These cover both prescheduled maintenance and minor ad hoc repairs. The scheduling and reporting mechanisms for all such works mean that it is not possible to separately identify the amount spent on water repairs from other costs.

Departmental Legislation

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what her practice is regarding meeting, discussing and taking into account the views and opinions of  (a) private individuals and  (b) representatives of organisations when drawing up and framing legislation to be introduced by her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: The Cabinet Office always seeks a full range of views when drawing up and framing legislation. Consultation is a key part of the policy-making process; both informal and formal. The Department holds regular meetings with representatives of the principal stakeholder groups for our policy areas and with relevant experts. Organisations and individuals can also contribute to the department's formal consultations which abide by the Code of Conduct on Consultation. Known stakeholders are alerted to the fact that a formal consultation is taking place. As required by the Code, the Department then gives feedback on the responses received and on how the consultation process influenced the policy decision.

Departmental Staff

Roger Berry: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many disabled staff in her Department received support through the Access to Work scheme  (a) in each of the last five years and  (b) in 2006-07.

Patrick McFadden: The following table gives details of the number of disabled staff who have received support through Access to Work. These figures include staff that have started in the Cabinet Office and brought Access to Work assessments with them, who have received on-going support through the Fares to Work provision available through the scheme, and new staff who have approached Access to Work for an assessment and assistance.
	
		
			  April to March each year:  Number of staff 
			 2001-02 2 
			 2002-03 3 
			 2003-04 2 
			 2004-05 5 
			 2005-06 2 
			 2006-07 1 
		
	
	Cabinet Office has a written policy on the provision of reasonable adjustments for disabled staff. Access to Work is only one of the options available, with the majority of costs for assessments and reasonable adjustments being met centrally by the Department.

Departmental Travel

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans she has to ensure that all flights undertaken by Ministers and officials in the Cabinet Office are carbon neutral; and if she will make a statement.

Edward Miliband: Through its commitment to the Government Carbon Offsetting Scheme, as from 1 April 2006 all flights undertaken by Cabinet Office Ministers and officials are being offset and thus carbon neutral. Departmental aviation emissions are calculated on an annual basis and subsequently offset through payments to a central fund. The fund purchases Certified Emissions Reductions credits from energy efficiency and renewable energy projects with sustainable development benefits, located in developing countries.

Public Sector Information

Mark Todd: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how the European Directive on the re-use of public sector information is applied to private sector bids for public sector data to be used to build added-value services; and if she will make a statement.

Edward Miliband: The overriding aim of the European Directive on the re-use of public sector information, and the Regulations that implemented the Directive in the UK (SI2005/1515) was to encourage the re-use of public sector information and stimulate the growth of the information industry and the development of value added information products and services. The key theme of the Regulations is on improving transparency, fairness and consistency. The framework set out in the Regulations is underpinned by a robust complaints process. This will help the private sector ascertain what information is available for re-use and the terms of re-use.

Public Sector Information

Mark Todd: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment she has made of the performance of the Office of Public Sector Information in resolving concerns about access to public sector data for the purposes of developing added-value services; and if she will make a statement.

Edward Miliband: The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) has the policy lead on the re-use of public sector information, in accordance with the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations (2005 No. 1515) which came into force on 1 July 2005. Since then OPSI has made a significant contribution in sharing best practice across the public sector. This includes developing an on-line licence that can be used across the whole of the public sector, developing an on-line assessment tool which gauges the effectiveness of public sector organisations in meeting their obligations, and speaking to over 400 public sector organisations about their new responsibilities. OPSI has also played a key role in setting standards of compliance and in the resolution of disputes. These initiatives help to encourage and facilitate the re-use of public sector information in the context of value added information products and services.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Bonfires

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many communal and commemorative bonfires are estimated to have been organised in Northern Ireland during July and August in  (a) 1995 and  (b) 2005.

David Cairns: The information requested is not held centrally, however, an Interagency Working Group was set up in November 2003 to compile a report on bonfires in Northern Ireland. Information provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive indicated that there were 1203 bonfires in 2003 on their property. Information was also received from 23 of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland. They indicated that they were only aware of 431 bonfires in 2003. This figure would include some of the bonfires on Housing Executive property. The Group was only in existence during the time required for completion of the report. There has been no update since then.

Child Care

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what strategy the Department for Education has in place to support and facilitate child care through the women's community sector.

Maria Eagle: The Department of Education does not have a remit to support and facilitate child care through the women's community sector. On 6 March my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced 14.6 million to help support voluntary and community groups in their work with disadvantaged children: through the Department for Social Development the women's community sector received 1.6 million of this, to support 14 women's centres in providing child care until the end of March 2008.

Child Sex Offenders

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hostels are used by the Probation Board of Northern Ireland for housing known child sex offenders; where the hostels are; and how many sex offenders reside in these hostels.

David Hanson: There are five hostels approved by the Probation Board which accommodate child sex offenders. For reasons of public safety it is not in the public interest to provide detailed information about the whereabouts of sex offenders. Effective public protection can best be provided by the relevant agencies through monitoring and supervision of such offenders in a regulated and stable environment.

Departmental Correspondence

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) letters from members of the public,  (b) letters from hon. Members and  (c) parliamentary questions from (i) hon. Members and (ii) Members of the House of Lords the Departments under his authority dealt with in each of the last five years.

Peter Hain: The Northern Ireland Office received the following parliamentary questions in each of the last five calendar years. It is not possible to provide separate figures for hon. Members and Members of the House of Lords.
	
		
			   Number 
			 2002 1,729 
			 2003 2,908 
			 2004 4,137 
			 2005 4,476 
			 2006 (1)3,155 
			 (1) Up to 21 June 2006. 
		
	
	Information regarding correspondence is below. It is listed by Department as each private office records correspondence to their respective Minister individually. As a result of this, the information is recorded in different ways by different offices. Therefore some have been unable to break down the figures to the extent requested by the hon. Gentleman.
	
		
			   NIO( 1)  DHSSPS( 1)  OFMDFM( 2)  DRD 
			   Total  Total  MP  Public  MP( 3)  Public 
			 2002(4) (5)906 372   26 113 
			 2003 2,842 1,244   152 408 
			 2004 2,224 1,419   127 592 
			 2005 2,356 1,750 ( 2)58 ( 2)466 121 456 
			 2006(6) 1,342 1,159 ( 2) ( 2) 54 162 
		
	
	
		
			   DE  DEL 
			   MP  Public  MP  Public 
			 2002(4) 22 51 21 105 
			 2003 80 127 39 45 
			 2004 138 287 43 56 
			 2005 153 461 47 58 
			 2006(6) 27 194 20 27 
		
	
	
		
			   DCAL  DSD  DETI 
			   MP  Public  MP  Public  MP  Public 
			 2002(4) 27 98 54 42 14 38 
			 2003 52 195 132 227 39 128 
			 2004 69 387 111 246 74 61 
			 2005 51 323 123 186 27 41 
			 2006(6) 27 162 76 81 19 20 
		
	
	
		
			   DoE  DARD 
			   MP( 3)  Public  MP  Public 
			 2002(4) 16 172 (7)25 (6)9 
			 2003 145 894 90 9 
			 2004 156 846 97 53 
			 2005 177 922 101 77 
			 2006(6) 115 341 31 37 
			 (1) NIO and DHSSPS correspondence data are not held in a way that makes it possible to separate out correspondence from MPs and from others. (2) OFMDFM correspondence data are only available from 18 May 2005 to date, and it is not possible to break them down by year. (3) Includes only MPs with Northern Ireland constituencies. (4) From 1 October 2002, unless otherwise indicated. (5) From 1 January 2002. (6 )Figure to June 2006. (7) From 15 October 2002.  Note:  Information is recorded in different ways by different Departments. The figures include some instances of double-counting, for example, where a letter is transferred between Departments or where input is required from more than one Department.

Departmental Publications

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his practice is regarding meeting, discussions with and taking into account the views and opinions of  (a) private individuals and  (b) representatives of organisations when drawing up and framing legislation to be introduced by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments seek a range of views when drawing up and framing legislation. Consultation is a key part of the policy-making process, both informal and formal. Each department holds regular meetings with its principal stakeholder groups and with relevant experts. Organisations and individuals can also contribute to the Departments' formal consultations which abide by the code of conduct on consultation. Known stakeholders are alerted to the fact that a formal consultation is taking place. As required by the code, the relevant Department then gives feedback on the responses received.

Environment and Renewable Energy Funding

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the eligibility criteria for the Environment and Renewable Energy Funding package to take account of recent representations he has received on their appropriateness.

Maria Eagle: The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund's aim of making Northern Ireland an exemplar region in the use of renewable energy is still on course and no considered review of the eligibility criteria is necessary at this time.

Finucane Inquiry

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many judges he has appointed for the inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane; and if he will instead hold an independent public inquiry into the murder.

Peter Hain: The Government are currently taking steps to facilitate the establishment of an inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane under the Inquiries Act 2005. No appointments have yet been made. The Government are clear that an inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005 will be fully independent and will also be public to the extent possible.

Foreign Nationals

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many foreign nationals have set up residence in Northern Ireland in the last two years, broken down by country of origin.

Peter Hain: This information is not held. However, the 2001 census provides figures on the country of birth of residents in Northern Ireland. This can be accessed at www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census/excel/ks05dc.xls
	
		
			  Table KS05: Country of birth 
			Percentage of persons born in: 
			  Area  All persons  Northern Ireland  England  Scotland  Wales  Republic of Ireland  Other EU Countries( 1)  Elsewhere 
			 Northern Ireland 1,685,267 91.04 3.66 1.00 0.18 2.32 0.61 1.20 
			  
			  Local Government District 
			 Antrim 48,366 87.04 7.30 1.62 0.48 1.35 0.84 1.37 
			 Ards 73,244 92.25 3.71 1.05 0.20 1.20 0.47 1.12 
			 Armagh 54,263 91.66 2.92 0.64 0.11 3.41 0.53 0.73 
			 Ballymena 58,610 93.88 2.78 0.97 0.11 0.89 0.46 0.91 
			 Ballymoney 26,894 94.97 2.62 0.66 0.08 0.86 0.28 0.54 
			 Banbridge 41,392 93.77 2.87 0.69 0.14 1.30 0.41 0.84 
			 Belfast 277,391 91.36 2.95 0.80 0.14 1.96 0.96 1.82 
			 Carrickfergus 37,659 91.37 4.25 1.21 0.19 0.95 0.57 1.46 
			 Castlereagh 66,488 92.10 3.11 0.96 0.16 1.55 0.45 1.67 
			 Coleraine 56,315 90.21 3.95 1.22 0.21 2.35 0.58 1.48 
			 Cookstown 32,581 94.69 2.33 0.56 0.10 1.18 0.32 0.83 
			 Craigavon 80,671 92.85 3.25 0.77 0.13 1.47 0.57 0.96 
			 Derry 105,066 88.15 3.99 1.03 0.14 5.11 0.65 0.93 
			 Down 63,828 91.32 4.50 0.80 0.23 1.62 0.44 1.10 
			 Dungannon 47,735 93.10 2.58 0.50 0.07 2.48 0.48 0.79 
			 Fermanagh 57,527 87.00 4.05 0.62 0.13 7.13 0.37 0.69 
			 Larne 30,832 93.04 3.34 1.31 0.17 0.92 0.40 0.83 
			 Limavady 32,422 89.28 4.26 2.41 0.71 1.68 0.56 1.10 
			 Lisburn 108,694 90.06 5.02 1.10 0.26 1.45 0.87 1.25 
			 Magherafelt 39,780 95.18 2.03 0.57 0.07 1.12 0.30 0.72 
			 Moyle 15,933 91.87 3.57 1.46 0.14 1.52 0.62 0.83 
			 Newry and Mourne 87,058 90.01 3.26 0.60 0.13 4.58 0.59 0.82 
			 Newtownabbey 79,995 93.15 2.99 0.88 0.15 1.08 0.40 1.36 
			 North Down 76,323 86.14 6.23 2.69 0.32 1.96 0.81 1.85 
			 Omagh 47,952 90.77 4.26 0.66 0.16 2.52 0.58 1.04 
			 Strabane 38,248 89.70 2.40 1.15 0.05 6.05 0.27 0.39 
			  
			  Health and Social Services Board 
			 Eastern 665,968 90.72 3.91 1.11 0.20 1.72 0.78 1.57 
			 Northern 426,965 92.38 3.57 1.03 0.18 1.24 0.48 1.11 
			 Southern 311,119 92.01 3.04 0.65 0.12 2.81 0.53 0.84 
			 Western 281,215 88.70 3.86 1.06 0.19 4.81 0.52 0.85 
			  
			  Education and Library Board 
			 Belfast 277,391 91.36 2.95 0.80 0.14 1.96 0.96 1.82 
			 North Eastern 394,384 92.19 3.67 1.07 0.19 1.25 0.50 1.14 
			 South Eastern 388,577 90.26 4.60 1.33 0.24 1.55 0.64 1.39 
			 Southern 343,700 92.26 2.97 0.64 0.12 2.66 0.51 0.84 
			 Western 281,215 88.70 3.86 1.06 0.19 4.81 0.52 0.85 
			  
			  Parliamentary Constituency 
			 Belfast East 79,261 91.76 3.53 1.07 0.19 1.30 0.57 1.59 
			 Belfast North 86,066 93.62 2.62 0.73 0.11 1.28 0.63 1.01 
			 Belfast South 94,994 86.79 3.97 1.04 0.20 3.43 1.21 3.37 
			 Belfast West 87,610 94.78 1.58 0.38 0.07 1.27 1.12 0.80 
			 East Antrim 84,062 91.83 3.75 1.21 0.19 1.08 0.52 1.43 
			 East Londonderry 88,737 89.87 4.06 1.65 0.39 2.10 0.58 1.34 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 91,127 89.05 3.55 0.58 0.11 5.54 0.42 0.75 
			 Foyle 105,066 88.15 3.99 1.03 0.14 5.11 0.65 0.93 
			 Lagan Valley 101,696 89.74 5.29 1.18 0.28 1.44 0.77 1.31 
			 Mid Ulster 86,496 94.86 2.19 0.56 0.08 1.23 0.33 0.75 
			 Newry and Armagh 100,950 90.35 3.02 0.59 0.11 4.62 0.56 0.75 
			 North Antrim 101,437 93.85 2.86 0.96 0.11 0.98 0.44 0.80 
			 North Down 85,992 86.60 6.07 2.54 0.32 1.91 0.79 1.78 
			 South Antrim 99,810 90.63 4.98 1.19 0.30 1.12 0.57 1.20 
			 South Down 104,658 91.54 3.94 0.73 0.19 2.10 0.50 0.99 
			 Strangford 98,158 92.64 3.39 0.96 0.18 1.19 0.44 1.21 
			 Upper Bann 102,947 92.83 3.29 0.77 0.14 1.48 0.54 0.95 
			 West Tyrone 86,200 90.29 3.44 0.87 0.11 4.09 0.44 0.75 
			  
			  NUTS Level III 
			 Belfast 277,391 91.36 2.95 0.80 0.14 1.96 0.96 1.82 
			 Outer Belfast 369,159 90.42 4.41 1.36 0.22 1.44 0.65 1.50 
			 East of Northern Ireland 396,943 92.05 3.92 0.99 0.20 1.28 0.52 1.03 
			 North of Northern Ireland 274,878 89.80 3.63 1.24 0.20 3.64 0.54 0.94 
			 West and South of Northern Ireland 366,896 91.26 3.16 0.60 0.12 3.59 0.48 0.80 
			 (1) European Union as defined on census day (29 April 2001). 'Other EU countries' includes United Kingdom; part not specified and Ireland; part not specified.

Knives

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many knife stabbing incidents have occurred in Northern Ireland over the last three years, broken down by Westminster constituency; and how many of these involved fatalities.

David Hanson: The following tables provide statistics on knife crime incidents over the past three years according to PSNI District Command Units. The incidents are sorted by the recorded crime categories used by the police. While is it known that a knife was used in all incidents recorded, it is not possible to indicate how the knife was used.
	
		
			  Crimes recorded where a knife was involved in the incident 2003-04( 1) 
			   Offences against the person  Murder( 2)  Sexual offences  Burglary  Robbery  Theft 
			 Armagh 2 0 0 1 8 0 
			 Banbridge 5 0 0 1 2 1 
			 Ballymena 19 0 0 1 11 1 
			 Ballymoney 5 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Coleraine 9 0 0 5 13 3 
			 Cookstown 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Craigavon 23 0 0 1 13 2 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 3 0 1 1 0 1 
			 Down 15 1 1 2 4 0 
			 Fermanagh 4 0 0 0 4 0 
			 Foyle 31 1 0 4 7 2 
			 Limavady 5 0 1 0 0 1 
			 Magherafelt 2 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Moyle 3 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 26 0 0 2 11 1 
			 Omagh 13 0 0 2 6 0 
			 Strabane 4 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Rural region 170 2 3 23 81 12 
			
			 Antrim 8 0 0 2 9 0 
			 Ards 15 0 0 1 2 0 
			 East Belfast 13 0 0 0 55 1 
			 North Belfast 41 0 2 1 37 3 
			 South Belfast 29 0 1 2 58 2 
			 West Belfast 20 0 0 2 15 0 
			 Carrickfergus 12 0 0 1 2 0 
			 Castlereagh 2 0 0 1 10 1 
			 Larne 15 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Lisburn 10 0 0 2 14 0 
			 Newtownabbey 20 0 0 2 24 2 
			 North Down 13 0 1 2 16 0 
			 Urban Region 198 0 4 16 243 9 
			
			 Northern Ireland 368 2 7 39 324 21 
		
	
	
		
			   Fraud and forgery  Criminal damage  Offences against the state  Other notifiable offences  Total offences 
			 Armagh 0 2 1 0 14 
			 Banbridge 0 0 0 0 9 
			 Ballymena 0 8 2 0 42 
			 Ballymoney 0 2 0 0 8 
			 Coleraine 0 10 7 3 50 
			 Cookstown 0 1 1 0 3 
			 Craigavon 0 6 7 0 52 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 0 1 1 0 8 
			 Down 0 6 4 0 32 
			 Fermanagh 0 3 0 0 11 
			 Foyle 0 4 5 1 54 
			 Limavady 0 2 5 0 14 
			 Magherafelt 0 1 0 0 4 
			 Moyle 0 2 2 0 8 
			 Newry and Mourne 0 7 2 0 49 
			 Omagh 0 5 3 1 30 
			 Strabane 0 0 1 0 7 
			 Rural region 0 60 41 5 395 
			   
			 Antrim 0 4 0 0 23 
			 Ards 0 4 1 0 23 
			 East Belfast 0 3 7 0 79 
			 North Belfast 0 14 13 1 112 
			 South Belfast 0 8 10 0 110 
			 West Belfast 0 4 13 0 54 
			 Carrickfergus 0 1 0 0 16 
			 Castlereagh 0 8 0 0 22 
			 Larne 0 3 1 1 21 
			 Lisburn 0 1 0 0 27 
			 Newtownabbey 0 14 1 0 63 
			 North Down 0 5 3 0 40 
			 Urban Region 0 69 49 2 590 
			   
			 Northern Ireland 0 129 90 7 985 
			 (1 )Please note that the figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incidentit is not known how the knife was actually used. (2 )Murder figures are also included in the 'offences against the person' total.  Source: Central Statistics Unit, PSNI 
		
	
	
		
			  Crimes recorded where a knife was involved in the incident 2004-05( 1) 
			   Offences against the person  Murder( 2)  Sexual offences  Burglary  Robbery  Theft 
			 Armagh 2 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Banbridge 2 1 0 0 1 0 
			 Ballymena 15 0 0 1 13 0 
			 Ballymoney 2 0 0 1 2 0 
			 Coleraine 20 0 0 2 5 4 
			 Cookstown 2 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Craigavon 33 0 0 3 5 0 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 8 1 0 1 4 0 
			 Down 10 0 0 2 1 2 
			 Fermanagh 2 0 1 0 1 1 
			 Foyle 30 0 0 1 7 1 
			 Limavady 7 0 1 1 0 0 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Moyle 7 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 24 0 1 1 5 1 
			 Omagh 5 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Strabane 3 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Rural region 172 2 3 15 45 9 
			
			 Antrim 10 0 0 0 6 1 
			 Ards 7 0 0 0 6 0 
			 East Belfast 11 0 0 2 15 2 
			 North Belfast 59 1 1 2 54 2 
			 South Belfast 20 2 0 2 58 1 
			 West Belfast 40 1 0 1 18 0 
			 Carrickfergus 6 0 0 0 6 2 
			 Castlereagh 4 0 0 0 2 0 
			 Larne 6 1 0 0 1 0 
			 Lisburn 7 1 0 1 18 0 
			 Newtownabbey 23 1 0 0 27 1 
			 North Down 29 1 0 3 9 1 
			 Urban Region 222 8 1 11 220 10 
			
			 Northern Ireland 394 10 4 26 265 19 
		
	
	
		
			   Fraud and forgery  Criminal damage  Offences against the state  Other notifiable offences  Total offences 
			 Armagh 0 3 5 0 10 
			 Banbridge 0 8 2 0 13 
			 Ballymena 0 11 3 0 43 
			 Ballymoney 0 4 1 0 10 
			 Coleraine 0 6 11 0 48 
			 Cookstown 0 1 0 0 4 
			 Craigavon 0 11 3 0 55 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 0 4 2 0 19 
			 Down 0 9 5 0 29 
			 Fermanagh 0 6 3 0 14 
			 Foyle 0 10 18 0 67 
			 Limavady 0 5 3 0 17 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Moyle 0 1 1 0 10 
			 Newry and Mourne 0 10 5 0 47 
			 Omagh 0 0 1 0 7 
			 Strabane 0 2 3 0 8 
			 Rural region 0 91 66 0 401 
			   
			 Antrim 0 9 9 0 35 
			 Ards 0 5 4 0 22 
			 East Belfast 0 6 3 0 39 
			 North Belfast 0 10 13 0 141 
			 South Belfast 0 6 18 0 105 
			 West Belfast 0 4 6 0 69 
			 Carrickfergus 0 3 3 0 20 
			 Castlereagh 0 3 0 0 9 
			 Larne 0 8 2 0 17 
			 Lisburn 0 1 0 0 28 
			 Newtownabbey 0 9 0 0 60 
			 North Down 0 6 6 0 54 
			 Urban Region 0 70 65 0 599 
			   
			 Northern Ireland 0 161 131 0 1000 
			 (1 )Please note that the figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incidentit is not known how the knife was actually used. (2 )Murder figures are also included in the 'offences against the person' total.  Source: Central Statistics Unit, PSNI 
		
	
	
		
			  Crimes recorded where a knife was involved in the incident 2005-06( 1) 
			   Offences against the person  Murder( 2)  Sexual offences  Burglary  Robbery  Theft 
			 Armagh 3 0 0 0 2 0 
			 Banbridge 2 0 1 0 1 1 
			 Ballymena 12 0 1 2 9 0 
			 Baliymoney 4 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Coleraine 14 0 4 1 7 3 
			 Cookstown 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Craigavon 35 0 0 0 15 2 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 4 0 0 2 3 0 
			 Down 12 0 0 2 4 2 
			 Fermanagh 12 1 0 0 2 1 
			 Foyle 36 1 0 1 11 3 
			 Limavady 13 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Moyle 2 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 30 0 0 0 11 1 
			 Omagh 6 0 0 1 3 1 
			 Strabane 5 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Rural region 191 2 6 9 71 14 
			
			 Antrim 17 0 0 0 5 0 
			 Ards 21 0 1 1 4 2 
			 East Belfast 10 1 0 1 23 0 
			 North Belfast 66 1 0 1 69 2 
			 South Belfast 14 0 0 1 64 0 
			 West Belfast 31 2 1 3 52 0 
			 Carrickfergus 9 1 0 0 3 1 
			 Castlereagh 10 0 1 0 10 2 
			 Larne 6 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Lisburn 4 0 0 2 20 0 
			 Newtownabbey 23 1 2 0 31 0 
			 North Down 28 0 2 0 7 1 
			
			 Urban Region 239 6 7 10 288 8 
			 Northern Ireland 430 8 13 19 359 22 
		
	
	
		
			   Fraud and forgery  Criminal damage  Offences against the state  Other notifiable offences 
			 Armagh 2 10 0 17 
			 Banbridge 2 1 0 8 
			 Ballymena 14 5 0 43 
			 Baliymoney 1 0 0 5 
			 Coleraine 10 17 0 56 
			 Cookstown 0 1 0 2 
			 Craigavon 4 5 0 61 
			 Dungannon South Tyrone 1 0 0 10 
			 Down 6 1 0 27 
			 Fermanagh 4 3 0 22 
			 Foyle 12 5 0 68 
			 Limavady 5 3 0 22 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 1 
			 Moyle 3 0 0 5 
			 Newry and Mourne 6 10 0 58 
			 Omagh 4 4 0 19 
			 Strabane 0 2 0 8 
			 Rural region 74 67 0 432 
			  
			 Antrim 4 5 0 31 
			 Ards 6 4 0 39 
			 East Belfast 3 1 0 38 
			 North Belfast 9 26 0 173 
			 South Belfast 4 29 0 112 
			 West Belfast 3 21 1 112 
			 Carrickfergus 0 0 0 13 
			 Castlereagh 2 2 0 27 
			 Larne 4 3 0 14 
			 Lisburn 3 0 0 29 
			 Newtownabbey 8 3 0 67 
			 North Down 1 4 0 43 
			 Urban Region 47 98 1 698 
			  
			 Northern Ireland 121 165 1 1130 
			 (1 )Please note that the figures relate to crimes where a knife was involved in the incidentit is not known how the knife was actually used. (2 )Murder figures are also included in the 'offences against the person' total.  Source: Central Statistics Unit, PSNI

Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Organisations

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding was awarded by the Government to lesbian, gay and bisexual organisations in Northern Ireland in 2004-05; and what percentage of funding awarded to all section 75 groups this represented.

Paul Goggins: pursuant to the reply, 16 May 2006, Official Report, c. 879W
	Unfortunately due to an administrative error the hon. Gentleman was provided with incorrect information. The correct information is as follows:
	596,613 was awarded to lesbian, gay and bisexual organisations in 2004-05. This is approximately 0.8 per cent. of the amount paid by Government to all organisations in the voluntary and community sector.
	I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

L'Estrange and Brett

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what services provided by L'Estrange and Brett Solicitors the Northern Ireland Police Fund wrote a cheque for more than 60,000.

Paul Goggins: The details of payments made by the Northern Ireland Police Fund is a matter for the Fund.

L'Estrange and Brett

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the Northern Ireland Police Fund wrote a cheque to L'Estrange and Brett Solicitors for more than 60,000; who signed it; who authorised it; and whether it was  (a) discussed and  (b) approved by the directors of the board.

Paul Goggins: The details of the payments made by the Northern Ireland Police Fund are matters for the Fund.

Select Committee Recommendations

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken by his Department to implement Northern Ireland Select Committee recommendations since the 2001-02 Session; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: Information relating to the implementation of Northern Ireland Select Committee recommendations for each year since the 2001-02 Session is not held centrally. It cannot therefore be readily retrieved without incurring disproportionate costs. In their responses to Northern Ireland Select Committee reports the Government make it clear whether or not they accept the Committee's recommendations.

Sex Offenders

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons on the sex offenders register in Northern Ireland have reoffended while still on the register in each of the last five years.

David Hanson: The Northern Ireland Sex Offender Strategic Management Committee in its annual report Managing the Risk 05/06 published on 27 June 2006 reported that of the cases managed at category 2 (medium risk) or category 3 (high risk) one offender was charged or reported for a further serious sex offence during the previous 12-month period ending 31 March 2006. The information for the previous four years and for category 1 (low risk) offenders is not collated centrally by the PSNI and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. At an operational level the police and other agencies involved in the multi-agency sex offender risk assessment and management (MASRAM) procedures are fully aware of the nature of each individual offender's offending behaviour including whether this involves further offences of a sexual nature.

Waste Management

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of the incineration of  (a) municipal and  (b) industrial waste.

David Cairns: There are no incinerators in Northern Ireland burning municipal waste. Any future municipal waste incinerator would require a permit from the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) to operate, would be required to meet the standards of the Waste Incineration Directive and would be required to assess the impact of such an operation on the environment. EHS would also carry out its own assessment of the impact before any permit issued and this would include the use of computer software to model the impact of emissions on local air quality.
	There are a few incinerators in Northern Ireland handling industrial waste although the incineration facilities for industrial or indeed other waste are not extensive. All such operations are required by the regulators to meet UK and European standards of operations. These standards, in particular the emission limits on discharges to air, are set at a level to ensure that there can be no meaningful impact on local air quality standards or any detriment to health. All incinerators undergo regular monitoring to ensure these standards are consistently met.
	The impact of all incinerators is also assessed by the regulators as part of the process of determining applications for the environmental permits that each incinerator must hold in order to operate. For the larger incinerators this includes the use of computer software to model the impact of emissions on local air quality.

Waste Management

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has plans to introduce compulsory recycling schemes.

David Cairns: There are no current plans to introduce compulsory recycling schemes in Northern Ireland.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Academies

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether teachers working in academies will retain their national negotiating rights on pay and conditions.

Jim Knight: Academies, as independent schools, are not bound by the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Document or by guidance on support staff pay and conditions issued by the National Joint Council, but can negotiate their own pay and conditions arrangements with staff.
	Where academies replace existing schools there will in many cases be a transfer of undertakings under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE). In such cases, staff of the closing school have the right to transfer to the academy on their existing terms and conditions, as set out in the Teachers' Pay and Conditions document.
	Academies need to respond innovatively to the huge challenges they face. The ability to negotiate their own pay and conditions to meet the particular needs of the academy, its staff and students, is part of the increased flexibility they need to meet these challenges.

Adult Education

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on recent changes in the  (a) funding and  (b) number of adult education courses, with particular reference to (i) basic skills courses, (ii) other vocational courses and (iii) non-vocational and community education.

Bill Rammell: Our strategic priorities for adult learning which I announced on 21 October 2005 are to: support adults who lack basic skills or the platform of skills for employability; ensure a wide range of opportunities at level 3; and, ensure the continued availability of a wide range of opportunities for personal and community development (PCDL). I reaffirmed our commitment to safeguard the funding for PCDL in mainstream further education and local authority funded adult education (adult and community learning) with a budget of 210 million in 2006/07.
	Overall we have increased further education funding nationally by around 2.5 billion since 1997 equivalent to 48 per cent. in real terms. Our investment in adult learning will remain broadly stable at 2.9 billion but the nature of provision will change. Colleges will provide more publicly funded long courses to meet national skills demands including a new free entitlement to a first full level 3 qualification for young adults for which we are making available new funds of 25 million. Post-16 providers, including colleges, will provide around 3.5 million adult places in 2007/08, a reduction of around 6 per cent. compared to now.

Agency Staff

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what average hourly rate was paid by his Department to each employment agency for staff employed through agencies in 2005-06.

Parmjit Dhanda: The average hourly rate paid by the Department for staff employed through Adecco in the financial year 2005-06 was as follows:
	
		
			  Grade  Average hourly charge rate () 
			 AA 8.59 
			 AO 9.81 
			 EO 12.39 
			 HEO 17.24 
			 Messenger 7.97 
			 Pers sec 13.65 
			 Snr pers sec 14.53

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in his Department's press office.

Parmjit Dhanda: A total of 26 people are employed in the Department's press office of whom less than five are black and Asian.
	Information on ethnicity is collected on a voluntary basis.

Child Care

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is on the charging of top-up fees by providers of child care in receipt of monies from his Department.

Beverley Hughes: Every three and four-year-old is entitled to 12  hours of free high-quality early education and care for 38 weeks of the year. The fees that providers charge parents for additional hours and services beyond the free entitlement are a private matter between providers and parents.
	The entitlement must be free at the point of delivery. The funding the Government provide is not a subsidy, and should not be treated as such by providers. Providers must make no charge to parents for the funded hours accessed and must reduce their fees by the amount they would usually charge were the child not accessing a free place. Providers may not require parents to take up additional hours or services as a condition of access to a free place. To allow this practice could result in a two-tier system where real choice exists only for the well-off, and the most disadvantagedprecisely those who stand most to benefit from free provisionare excluded.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the projected budget is of CAFCASS for  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09.

Parmjit Dhanda: The decisions about CAFCASS budgets for 2007-08 and 2008-09 have not yet been made. In 2006-07 CAFCASS received additional funding of 4.69 million for one-off expenditure this year and, following royal assent to the Children and Adoption Act 2006, work is taking place to identify the resources that will be necessary to commence its provisions. I am monitoring the financial position of CAFCASS and I am in ongoing discussions with the Chair and Chief Executive.

Class Sizes

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average class size is of  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school classes in England.

Jim Knight: The available information is given in the following table.
	
		
			  Maintained primary and secondary schools: average class sizes( 1, 2) as at January 2006( 3)  England 
			   Average class size 
			 Key stage 1 classes(4) 25.6 
			 Key stage 2 classes 27.3 
			 Classes in primary schools 26.3 
			 Classes in secondary schools 21.5 
			 (1) Classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January. (2) Classes taught by one teacher. (3) Provisional. (4) Includes reception classes.  Source: Schools' Census 
		
	
	Final 2006 class size data will be published in September.
	The information provided in this response was published in April in the Statistical First Release: Pupil Characteristics and Class Sizes in Maintained Schools in England, January 2006 (Provisional):
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000654/index.shtml

Credit Unions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if his Department will provide information and membership forms for credit unions to its employees.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Government welcome the contribution made by the various savings institutions in providing for greater choice and diversity in the financial services sector.
	The Government's guiding principles are to ensure impartiality and to help create a level playing field for all providers of financial services in order that their specific attributes can be properly harnessed.
	It would therefore be inconsistent for a Government Department to favour credit unions above other financial institutions.
	Employees are of course free to join in credit unions if they meet their relevant membership criteria and Departments may provide appropriate levels of support if employees wish to set up a credit union.

Departmental Contracts

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the value is of the contracts his Department holds with  (a) Capita plc and  (b) its subsidiaries which still have a potential duration of five years or more.

Parmjit Dhanda: A complete answer to this question could be supplied only at disproportionate cost. I can tell you, however, that the Department holds the following Capita contracts with a potential duration of 5 or more years:
	Teachers' Pensions Administration from 2003 to 2010 value estimated 60.5 million.
	National Strategies from 2005 to 2010 value estimated 180 million.
	Connexions Card, which was included in the answer to your question on a similar subject on 12 June 2006, will be terminated in August 2006 and will not now have a potential duration of 5 or more years.

Departmental Pensions

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will estimate the pension liability of his Department over the next 30 years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefit scheme and individual Departments' pension liabilities are not available. Pension liabilities are estimated for individual pension schemes. HM Treasury deposited a full statement about these liabilities together with a technical note covering all the major schemes in the Library of the House on 2 March 2006,  Official Report, columns 388-390, following an oral statement in Parliament by the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
	The statement and technical note provide detailed information about the size and nature of the liabilities and how they are calculated. Table 1 of the technical note shows a breakdown of liabilities per pension scheme.

Departmental Publications

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list in date order  (a) Green and  (b) White Papers produced by his Department since October 2005.

Bill Rammell: The Department has produced one Green Paper and one White Paper since October 2005. These were:
	Reducing reoffending through skills and employment (Green Paper) published on 15 December 2005 and;
	Further education: raising skills, improving life chances (White Paper) published on 27 March 2006.

Departmental Publications

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his practice is regarding meeting, discussing and taking into account the views and opinions of  (a) private individuals and  (b) representatives of organisations when drawing up and framing legislation to be introduced by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department always seeks a full range of views when drawing up and framing legislation. Consultation is a key part of the policy-making process; both informal and formal. The Department holds regular meetings with representatives of the principal stakeholder groups for our policy areas and with relevant experts. Organisations and individuals can also contribute to the Department's formal consultations which abide by the Code of Conduct on Consultation. Known stakeholders are alerted to the fact that a formal consultation is taking place. As required by the Code, the Department then gives feedback on the responses received and on how the consultation process influenced the policy decision.
	Four Government Bills have been introduced to Parliament by the Department in the current parliamentary session, the Children and Adoption Bill, the Childcare Bill, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill and the Education and Inspections Bill.
	The Children and Adoption Bill was published in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny by a joint committee of both Houses, and the Government published their response to the report of that committee before the Bill was introduced to Parliament. Prior to that, the policy proposals on which the Bill was based were subject to full consultation through the Green Paper Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities. Discussions were held with key stakeholders throughout the preparation of the Bill.
	Full consultation was carried out on the Childcare Bill, including discussions with stakeholders and a formal consultation from 15 July to 7 October 2005. The Department published a response to this consultation, Report on Responses to Consultation on Legislative Proposals for the Future of Childcare and Early Years Provision in England, in late October 2005, copies of which can be found in the House of Commons Library. Regular meetings were held throughout the framing and drafting of the Bill with key stakeholders including provider organisations, children's charities and local authority representatives.
	The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (SVG) Bill was subject to extensive consultation prior to introduction. A range of consultations have informed the development of the centralised vetting and barring scheme for which the SVG Bill will provide the statutory framework. In April 2005 a consultation was carried out on proposals for the vetting and barring scheme (VBS). Further engagement with stakeholders on the policy detail was carried out in December 2005, and January, March and April 2006 on the Independent Barring Board (IBB). The Department continues to consult with stakeholders as the VBS systems and processes are developed in more detail.
	Proposals for the Education and Inspections Bill were set out in the Schools White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for AllMore Choice for Parents and Pupils published on 25 October 2005. This followed on from the DfES Five Year Strategy published in July 2004 which was extensively consulted upon. In addition, it enacts the policies that were set out in the 2005 Labour party manifesto. The Department discussed the White Paper with a very wide range of stakeholders over recent months.

Electronic Children's Database

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which public sector bodies will have access to the new electronic children's database.

Beverley Hughes: Practitioners from health, education, social care, and youth justice will be granted access to the information sharing index. Access will be granted according to the role of the practitioner. For example, in a school a small number of named designated staff, such as teachers of children with special educational needs or who have pastoral or child protection responsibilities, would have access.
	We will be consulting over the autumn on draft regulations that will bring the information sharing index into operation. Among other issues, the regulations will specify the types of practitioners in the Children's Workforce whose role would make it appropriate for them to have access to the index. All practitioners with access will have appropriate Criminal Records Bureau checks and have undergone relevant training.

Electronic Children's Database

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the  (a) personal attributes and  (b) fields which the electronic children's database will have the capability to hold.

Beverley Hughes: The information sharing index will contain only limited and basic information about children in England and contact details for other services working with the child or young person. It will enable practitioners to identify and contact one another easily and quickly, so that they can share relevant information about children who need services or about whose welfare they are concerned.
	It will not record information on personal attributes such as children's diet, church attendance or school attainment. The Children's Act 2004 specifically prohibits the inclusion of any case information on the index. There will be no subjective opinions or observations about a child or parent, no details of assessments such as the Common Assessment Framework and no automatic triggers for action or investigation.
	Information fields on the index will hold for each child or young person:
	basic identifying information: name, address, gender, date of birth, and a unique identifying number based on the existing child reference number/national insurance number;
	basic identifying information about the child's parent or carer;
	contact details for services involved with the child: as a minimum school and GP practice, and other services where appropriate and if consent from the child or family has left obtained in respect of a sensitive service.
	The facility for practitioners to indicate to others that they have information to share, have taken action, or have undertaken a Common Assessment Framework, in relation to a child; and
	other information included solely for the purposes of identifying and managing the quality of data in the index, for example the date of the last update to the record.
	We will consult over the autumn on draft regulations that will bring the index into operation. The draft regulations will be laid before both Houses for debate under affirmative resolution procedures. Subject to the will of Parliament, the index is expected to be available in all local areas in England by the end of 2008.

Higher Education Funding Council

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans there are for the Higher Education Funding Council to administer  (a) Sussex university and  (b) the University of Brighton; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: There are currently no plans for the Higher Education Funding Council for England to administer or otherwise intervene in the affairs of either university.

Holiday Play Schemes

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what qualifications are required for volunteers helping to run holiday play schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 5 July 2006
	The national standards for holiday play schemes, and other day care providers looking after children aged under eight, require that the manager of a scheme holds at least a level 3 qualification appropriate to the post; and that at least half of all staff hold a level 2 qualification appropriate to the care and development of children. Volunteers would not need to hold such qualifications if they are counted in the 50 per cent. for whom qualifications are not required.
	A wide range of qualifications is acceptable for meeting the requirements of the national standards, and those at levels 2 to 4 are listed on the database of acceptable qualifications now maintained by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC). Higher level qualifications, such as in teaching or social work, would normally be acceptable for managers.

Learning and Skills Council

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of further education Learning and Skills Council funding was spent on 19 to 25-year-olds in 2005-06; and what proportion is planned to be spent in the next two financial years.

Bill Rammell: For the most recently completed academic year, 2004/05, 27 per cent. of the adult further education budget was spent on young adults aged 19 to 25. Figures for 2005/06 are not yet available. We have not set out specific plans for the proportion of the adult FE budget to be spent on this cohort for 2006/07 or 2007/08. However, we have announced a new free entitlement to a first full level 3 for 19 to 25-year-olds from 2007/08 and an additional 25 million will be available to support this entitlement.

Modern Languages

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students  (a) aged 14 years and over and  (b) at university level studied modern languages in each of the last 10 years.

Bill Rammell: The available information is given in the tables.
	
		
			  15-year-old pupils( 1)  entered for a GCSE foreign language, England 
			  Academic year  Number 
			 1995/96 439,318 
			 1996/97 434,054 
			 1997/98 442,130 
			 1998/99 499,897 
			 1999/2000 454,574 
			 2000/01 468,487 
			 2001/02 456,805 
			 2002/03 449,376 
			 2003/04 430,397 
			 2004/05(2) 365,320 
			 (1) Pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year, i.e. 31 August. (2) 2004/05 GCSE examinations saw the first pupils for whom modern foreign languages were not compulsory. 
		
	
	
		
			  Pupils entered for an A-Level foreign language, England 
			  Academic year  Number 
			 1995/96 43,123 
			 1996/97 41,750 
			 1997/98 36,568 
			 1998/99 34,484 
			 1999/2000 30,997 
			 2000/01 30,905 
			 2001/02 28,252 
			 2002/03 27,475 
			 2003/04 27,052 
			 2004/05 26,665 
		
	
	 FE level enrolments
	In 2004/05, 120,000 aims funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) could be classified as 'Other (i.e. non-British) languages, literature and culture'. Figures for foreign languages can not be identified separately in earlier years.
	
		
			  UK domiciled enrolments to modern language HE courses at English HE institutions( 1) 
			  Academic year  Postgraduate  Undergraduate  Total 
			 1995/96(2) 2,005 35,000 37,005 
			 1996/97 2,095 33,755 35,850 
			 1997/98 1,955 32,020 33,975 
			 1998/99 1,900 29,325 31,225 
			 1999/2000 1,930 27,920 29,850 
			 2000/01 1,770 26,675 28,445 
			 2001/02 1,915 26,975 28,890 
			 2002/03(3) 2,125 32,270 34,405 
			 2003/04 2,180 31,135 33,315 
			 2004/05 2,005 29,455 31,455 
			 (1) Figures exclude the Open university as subject of study cannot be consistently identified across the 10 years. (2) Figures up to and including 2001/02 include those students studying on balanced combinations within languages. (3) Figures for 2002/03 onwards are not comparable to earlier years due to changes in recording subject of study. For 2001/02 and earlier, figures are on a major subject of study basis. For 2002/03 onwards students are apportioned between all subjects of study.  Note: Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December (excluding those writing up, on sabbatical or dormant) and are rounded to the nearest 5.  Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record.

New Schools

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many new schools commissioned by the local authority have been built since 2001.

Jim Knight: Information on the number of schools commissioned by Coventry local education authority that have been built since 2001 is not held by the Department.

New Schools

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many applications he is considering from local authorities to build new community schools.

Jim Knight: The Secretary of State does not normally consider individual proposals for new schools. Proposals for additional secondary schools in a competition under the Education Act 2002 would fall to be decided by the Secretary of State, but there have been no such competitions. Following consultation and the publication of a notice followed by a representation period, proposals would normally be decided under local decision-making arrangements. The Department has been informed that currently 24 proposals for new community schools are outstanding. These are all for merged schools following reorganisation.
	Local authorities receive support for capital investment through our main capital programmes. Investment decisions are largely taken locally.
	Under the Education and Inspections Bill currently before Parliament, there will normally be a competition for all new schools, and the publication of proposals for new community schools from most authorities will require the consent of the Secretary of State. The proposals will be decided by the local authority or the schools adjudicator.

Personal Finance Education

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what measures are  (a) in place and  (b) under consideration for teaching secondary school pupils about the management of personal finances; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how much has been allocated to programmes to educate secondary school children about how to manage personal finances; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Government recognise the importance of personal finance education for all young people. The National Curriculum for Citizenship, which is compulsory at key stages 3 and 4 (11 to 16-year-olds), includes teaching pupils about how the economy functions, including the role of business and financial services. In addition, the DfES has asked the QCA, as part of the wider review of GCSE maths and the emphasis on improving functional skills, to consider including financial capability more explicitly in the maths curriculum. QCA has also developed a package of guidance for teachers of PSHE which includes two units of work on financial capability. In September 2004, we made work-related learning a statutory element of the curriculum, and from September 2005 are funding schools to develop a new focus on enterprise education, defined as enterprise capability supported by better financial capability and economic and business understanding. We are also working closely with the Financial Services Authority to take forward its Financial Capability Strategy which includes support for schools to deliver better personal finance education.
	It is for schools and local authorities to decide the level of resources required to support their personal finance education programmes.

School Discipline

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what counselling services are provided for teachers who develop stress-related illnesses as a result of dealing with persistently badly behaved pupils.

Jim Knight: It is employers who have the responsibility for the health and safety of their staff and this includes access to Occupational Health Services. In addition, governing bodies and head teachers are encouraged to adopt or participate in health awareness programmes so that their staff can make full use of the welfare and counselling services available. The Department is also implementing a wide range of programmes for schools to manage pupil behaviour more effectively.

School Opt-outs

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools he estimates wish to opt out of local authority control.

Jim Knight: The Government have no proposals to allow schools to opt out of local authority control, and therefore no estimates of the number of schools which might wish to do so.

Student Safety

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what  (a) education is provided in schools and colleges,  (b) information his Department issues and  (c) grants are available for the purpose of advising sixth form and college students on personal safety issues.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 3 July 2006
	The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding post-16 education and training in schools and colleges. The LSC does not stipulate the training that is required by each funded learner to ensure their health and safety. Each learner's complete learning programme should contain the appropriate personal health and safety training. It is a contractual responsibility of each school or college to determine what training is required and to ensure that this is delivered. Training should be in line with the result of risk assessment taking into account the environment, task, and the learner's age, experience and any special requirements.
	The LSC carries out seeking assurance activities to satisfy itself that every funded organisation that recruits learners is fulfilling their responsibilities with regard to health and safety. In addition and to spread good practice in health and safety, the LSC maintains a good practice websitewhere information and teaching materials are available on ensuring learner health and safety www.safelearner.info

Sure Start

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding was allocated to Sure Start in Swindon in each year between 2002-03 and 2005-06.

Beverley Hughes: Swindon receives Sure Start funding to support the Pinehurst and Penhill Sure Start local programme (SSLP) and, as part of the General Sure Start Grant, they also receive funding to support Sure Start Children's Centres.
	Allocated revenue funding for the SSLP was as follows:
	
		
			   Sure Start local programme revenue () 
			 2002-03 684,450 
			 2003-04 756,100 
			 2004-05 775,003 
			 2005-06 794,378 
		
	
	In addition, the SSLP was allocated capital of 1,079,625, which was not allocated to specific financial years.
	Funding for Sure Start Children's Centres began in 2004 with local authorities receiving a two year capital and revenue allocation for the period 2004-06. For this period Swindon's allocation was:
	
		
			
			 Revenue 378,914 
			 Capital 596,692

Teachers

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many foreign teachers, excluding language assistants, are working in maintained  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools, broken down by nationality.

Jim Knight: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Tuition Fees

Stephen Byers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which undergraduate university courses charge a tuition fee of less than 3,000; and how many students are attending such courses in academic year 2005-06.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 4 July 2006
	In 2006/07, institutions with an access agreement with OFFA can charge variable tuition fees of up to 3,000. Those without an access agreement can only charge the standard fee rate which will be 1,200. The following institutions are those that have an access agreement to charge variable fees and who will be charging less than 3,000:
	Askham Bryan college
	Barking college
	Bishop Burton college
	College of St. Mark and St. John
	Hull college
	Leeds Metropolitan university
	Loughborough college
	New College, Durham
	New College, Nottingham
	Newcastle college
	Northbrook college, Sussex
	Sparsholt college, Hampshire
	Thames Valley university
	The Grimsby Institute of further and higher education
	Trinity and All Saints
	University college Northampton
	University of Greenwich
	West Thames college
	Wigan and Leigh college
	Worcester college of technology
	Writtle college
	York St. John college
	Details of access agreements are only available at an institutional level. Data are not available at an individual course level. It is therefore not possible to provide details of specific courses which will charge a tuition fee of less than 3,000 or the associated student numbers on these courses in academic year 2005/06.
	Information on the amount of fees charged per student and course will be available from the Student Loans Company after the start of the 2006/07 academic year.

Tuition Fees

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of students are exempt from paying tuition fees in each  (a) London borough and  (b) constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The percentage of students from each London borough making no contribution to their tuition fees in 2004/05 is given in the table.
	
		
			  London borough  Percentage of students making no contribution to fees 
			 Barking and Dagenham 64 
			 Barnet 40 
			 Bexley 39 
			 Brent 52 
			 Bromley 30 
			 Camden 61 
			 Corporation of London 50 
			 Croydon 43 
			 Ealing 49 
			 Enfield 45 
			 Greenwich 57 
			 Hackney 76 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 63 
			 Haringey 59 
			 Harrow 38 
			 Havering 35 
			 Hillingdon 39 
			 Hounslow 41 
			 Islington 63 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 52 
			 Kingston upon Thames 33 
			 Lambeth 67 
			 Lewisham 61 
			 Merton 41 
			 Newham 76 
			 Redbridge 44 
			 Richmond upon Thames 31 
			 Southwark 67 
			 Sutton 30 
			 Tower Hamlets 82 
			 Waltham Forest 62 
			 Wandsworth 54 
			 Westminster 60 
			 Total England(1) 43 
			 (1) A figure for all English local authorities has been included in the table for comparison purposes.  Source: Student Loans Company (SLC) 
		
	
	Data are not available at the constituency level.
	Students on full-time undergraduate courses and their families are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of their tuition based on household income. Students from lower income backgrounds are wholly or partially exempt from paying tuition fees.
	From 2006/07 upfront fees are abolished and full-time students will be eligible for tuition fee loans of up to 3,000. In addition, we expect around 30 per cent. of students to receive a maximum maintenance grant of 2,700 and an HE institution bursary of at least 300.
	Overall, we expect around half of all eligible students to receive at least some maintenance grant.

University of Sussex

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) full-time equivalent lecturers and  (b) students there were at the University of Sussex in each of the last 10 years.

Bill Rammell: The latest available figures are given in the table:
	
		
			  Student enrolments and academic staff at the University of Sussex 
			   Enrolments( 1)  Lecturers( 2) 
			 1995/96 11,000 500 
			 1996/97 11,715 495 
			 1997/98 11,495 440 
			 1998/99 11,750 445 
			 1999/2000 10,900 440 
			 2000/01 10,915 435 
			 2001/02 11,080 400 
			 2002/03 11,080 395 
			 2003/04(3) 11,105 365 
			 2004/05(3) 11,345 390 
			 (1 )Student numbers are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December, and exclude students writing up, on sabbatical or dormant. Figures include undergraduate and postgraduate students. (2) Full-time equivalent staff figures are on the basis of staff with active contracts in the reporting period. Figures include senior lecturers and researchers and lecturers employed in teaching or teaching/research. (3 )Up until 2002/03 the staff record only included academic staff with a full-time equivalent greater than 25 per cent.; as from 2003/04, all academic staff were included. Therefore, the numbers for 2003/04 and 2004/05 are not directly comparable with those for earlier years.   Note: Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.  Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student and staff record data.

Youth Opportunity Cards

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements are in place to ensure the technology is available to launch the pilot schemes for the youth opportunity cards in Sunderland during autumn 2006.

Beverley Hughes: We are currently exploring the options to ensure that the appropriate delivery vehicle is available to deliver the youth opportunity card. There is a great deal of detailed analysis to be done and it is important to take the time to ensure we get it right. The priority is to ensure that the technological solution can deliver the functionality required. We are working to the pilot schemes launch as soon as possible, although we may have to revise the original position of timescale.